Thu Dec 11 14:02:17 UTC 2025: Summary:

Researchers at BITS Pilani-Hyderabad have developed a portable, membrane-less photocatalytic fuel cell (PFC) powered by sunlight. The device utilizes inexpensive carbon cloth electrodes coated with Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) and a 3D-printed chamber, converting light directly into clean electricity. This innovation promises a lightweight, eco-friendly energy solution for portable devices, IoT systems, wearable electronics, environmental sensors, and various monitoring applications in remote locations, potentially eliminating the need for batteries. It is cost effective, readily mass produced via 3D printing, safe for field use, and efficient at powering low-energy electronic devices.

News Article:

Sunlight Powers Breakthrough: Indian Researchers Develop Revolutionary Portable Fuel Cell

HYDERABAD, INDIA – December 11, 2025 – Researchers at the MEMS, Microfluidics and Nanoelectronics (MMNE) Lab at BITS Pilani-Hyderabad have unveiled a groundbreaking portable photocatalytic fuel cell (PFC) that harnesses the power of sunlight to generate clean electricity. This innovative device, developed by a team led by principal investigator Sanket Goel, offers a lightweight, eco-friendly alternative to traditional batteries for powering portable devices and Internet of Things (IoT) systems.

The PFC utilizes readily available and inexpensive carbon cloth electrodes coated with Titanium Dioxide (TiO2), housed within a compact 3D-printed chamber. When exposed to sunlight, the TiO2 triggers electrochemical reactions with a few drops of alkaline electrolyte, generating electricity. According to the researchers, the design enables rapid ion transport and stable, membrane-free operation.

“Our goal is to develop a fuel-cell system that is not just effective in the lab, but also engineered for real-world conditions,” said Ph.D. scholar Sajith P.M., the device’s designer. “It can provide a lightweight power source for rural areas, off-grid communities, and emergency applications where conventional electricity is unavailable.”

The PFC boasts an open-circuit voltage of 848 mV and a power density of 177 µW/cm², sufficient to power low-energy electronics such as sensors and LEDs. This makes it ideal for wearable electronics, environmental sensors, and self-powered IoT nodes like air and water quality monitors. The device’s low cost (estimated at ₹60-₹70), compatibility with rapid 3D printing, and safe operation at room temperature without fuel storage further enhance its potential for mass production and widespread adoption.

“This technology platform might not only generate clean energy in the future but also store it for reliable real-life use,” added co-investigator Naveen K. Shrivastava. His colleagues believe this invention will revolutionize future networks by providing autonomous, maintenance-free energy sources in remote locations. The team is optimistic about the impact this technology will have on various sectors, particularly in providing accessible and sustainable power solutions for a wide range of applications.

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