MIT researches report an important advance toward microscopic batteries by using a virus to assemble anodes on top of electrolyte layers. The M13 virus is made of proteins, which can be genetically modified to react with particular substances. It generates structured arrays of cobalt oxide nano-wires on top of the solid electrolyte. The creation of microscopic batteries is a difficult task in the past because the proportion of electrochemically active material inside batteries decreases along with size.
The performance of the device is the same as before. The cobalt oxide anode has a much higher charge storage capacity than the carbon-based electrodes typically used in lithium-ion batteries. It is stable throughout charging and discharging. Advantages of virus assembly include room temperature functionality and precise control over size and spacing of nano-materials.
Reference: Technology Review
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