The gradient of rhizosphere bioelectric potentials as a source of green energy

Kuleshova T.E.*1,2; Gall N.R.1; Galushko A.S.2; Udalova O.R.2; Panova G.G.2
1Ioffe Institute, Saint-Petersburg, Russia; 2Agrophysical Research Institute, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
Bioelectric potentials (BEP) generated during the life of plants along the root system can become the basis for a new green energy resource. The aim of this work was to determine the gradient of bioelectric potentials generated in the root zone and to develop a construction of a plant fuel cell. Soil-free type of a plant fuel cell was constructed where the electrodes were placed in the position with the observed maximum potential difference– between the root collar and the tips. A similar dynamics of the potential difference was observed – the generation of 30-100 mV voltage at the beginning, gradual decrease on the 5th day of vegetation, smooth increase on the 10th day up to 200 mV and then stabilization. Thus, the electrogenic properties of the plant and the oxidation-reduction reactions accompanying the life of plants in the root environment can be considered as an independent source of energy, the generation of which is carried out throughout the entire growing season.PlantGen_poster_Kuleshova