Participant Detail

Research Title

AfraVolt: Energy that rises from the roots.

Research Abstract

The global energy crisis demands the development of sustainable sources such as Plant-Microbial Fuel Cells (PMFC), which convert solar energy into electricity through photosynthesis and root metabolic activity. This project addresses the low power output inherent in these biological systems by utilizing the Portulacaria afra plant and a "Joule Thief" voltage booster circuit to power a red LED, which needs 1.8V. Nevertheless, the whole mixed circuit registrates between 2.0V to 3.0V and approximately 0.75mA stably. The primary objective is to demonstrate the viability of harvesting energy from root exudates in a continuous and safe manner. The methodology consisted of connecting 7 plants in series using copper electrodes (cathode) and zinc mesh (anode), installed in a layered "sandwich" configuration with 3 cm of substrate separation. To increase the output voltage, a circuit was assembled using a 2N2222A transistor, a 1kΩ resistor, and a bifilar coil made from Ethernet cable wound over a ferrite core. Results indicate that moisture and temperature are critical factors; thus, UV light was implemented to maintain plant metabolism during cold weather. A key finding was the necessity of sealing soldered joints with polymers to prevent galvanic corrosion, which had previously limited the initial voltage to 0.7V. It is concluded that, by optimizing the contact surface and chemical stability, a functional electrical flow can be generated, recommending this technology as a replicable educational innovation for the local community. Keywords: PMFC, Portulacaria afra, Joule Thief, Bioelectricity, Sustainability, communities.