Researchers from ETH Zurich and Nanyang Technological University Singapore (NTU) have found an innovative and sustainable way to repurpose the vast quantities of chicken feathers generated by the food industry, which are typically incinerated, contributing to CO2 emissions and toxic gas production. Using an eco-friendly process, they extract keratin protein from chicken feathers and convert it into ultra-fine fibers known as amyloid fibrils. These keratin fibrils are then utilized in the production of membranes for fuel cells. Fuel cells are clean energy sources that generate electricity from hydrogen and oxygen, emitting only heat and water. The newly developed membrane primarily consists of biodegradable keratin, making it more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than traditional membranes, which often use toxic and non-degradable chemicals.
This innovative approach not only repurposes a waste product, reducing carbon emissions, but also has the potential to advance the use of hydrogen as a sustainable energy source. Hydrogen is abundant but not naturally occurring on Earth, requiring energy-intensive production methods. The keratin membrane could be applied not only in fuel cells but also in water splitting through electrolysis, enabling efficient hydrogen production from water, even without the addition of acids. The research team is now focused on assessing the durability and stability of the keratin membrane and is actively seeking investors and companies to further develop and commercialize this environmentally friendly technology.

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50 w
What a great plan.
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54 w
This looks like a great plan
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54 w
Clearly there is no limits to what man can innovate.. This is interesting
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54 w
This is an interesting idea
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54 w
This is great but what about the life's of the chicken ..??
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54 w
Amazing,this is a great plan , however we must check on the well being of our chicken.
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54 w
@joseph_githinji This is quite hilarious but I understand what you mean
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54 w
Great research with unique and positive intentions.
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54 w
This is very interesting! Just wondering how many chicken will be slaughtered to generate electricity..
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@gorffly_mokua Super interesting but glad its a good step though chicken might be in problem.