With scientists continuing to explore a number of alternative power solutions for both power generation and energy storage a classic science experiment has been revisited by researchers as of late as a viable energy device for use worldwide: the potato battery. Containing a high salt-bridge capacity that is latent in all tubers the potato is an ideal solid organic energy storage device through a simple process of electrolysis virtually straight from the ground. Simply by combining a common potato with both zinc and copper electrodes a basic electrical current is generated, while boiling potatoes first increases both the electrical charge capability as well as overall lifespan of the potato up to ten times that of a standard untreated potato.

While this may not be of particularly exciting news to many who have experimented with making potato batteries of their own in the past it is somewhat in terms of portable power for locations lacking a solid infrastructure. By connecting LEDs and other modern electric devices, for instance, the organic battery potential of a standard potato can be used to effectively provide light and basic electrical support for many infrastructures throughout both developed and developing countries in order to help ensure that basic needs can be met. Further, by properly boiling a potato to help remove the resistance carried in the potato’s salt-bridge in order to enable electrical conduction to remain at a higher level for a longer period of time even some basic telecommunication equipment can be powered both cheaply and effectively.

In terms of portable power regardless of wherever you may be an effectively utilized potato battery can provide the same amount of power as a common traditional acid-based battery at roughly 2%-20% of the actual cost. This means for greater economical use as well as environmentally friendly products can be consumed worldwide with little impact upon the overall environment.

While it’s true that other tubers such as carrots and radishes can also be used as a source of energy potatoes have proven to be the most effective due to their natural salt-bridge density to aid in electrolysis and conversion of the base matter into energy. The relative abundant nature of potatoes as well as their easy production in a multitude of environments further complements this to help both establish and keep themselves as one of the primary candidates for organic solid-state batteries worldwide both throughout developing and highly developed industrial nations alike.

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