Plant-e is a technology of producing electricity from living plants.

The plants transform solar energy into organic matter which is transformed
into electricity by electrochemically active bacteria in the fuel cell.

This technology is also called Plant-Microbial

Microbial Fuel Cell (Plant MFC). Fuel cell is
one of the source of electrical energy. Since, the plant-e technology produces
electricity with the help of microorganisms present in the soil, this tech.
sometimes referred to Plant MFC.
The main process which helps plants to function as a source of
electricity is Photosynthesis.. The electrochemically active bacteria
assists the release of electrons i.e., oxidation.

We know that “photosynthesis” is a process carried out by plants in

which light energy in fact solar energy is converted into chemical
energy.
The electrochemically active bacteria present in the soil oxidize the
organic compound thus liberating the electrons.

The energy thus converted is stored in the form of sugars (organic

compounds) such as glucose.

Two carbon electrodes (anode & cathode) are inserted into the
soil. The electrons liberated will flow from anode to cathode via
energy harvester. The electrons after coming out of cathode
helps in forming water. Thus electricity is produced.
 O2

UV light Organic
Compound
Solar energy (Glucose)

H2O CO2
Oxidatio
n by
active
bacteria
e- Energy e-
ater Cathode Harvester Anode Electrons
During photosynthesis process, plants absorb CO2 and release O2 into
the atmosphere.

When the plant is fed with water, the CO2 absorbed from the
atmosphere reacts with H2O and forms Glucose (C6H12O6).

The glucose thus produced is stored in roots of plants. The roots of

plants are present in rhizosphere. The rhizosphere is the narrow region
of soil that is directly influenced by root secretions and associated soil
microorganisms. The rhizosphere contains many bacteria that feed on
sloughed-off
off plant cells, termed rhizodeposition, and the proteins and
sugars released by roots.
The electrochemically active bacteria such as protozoa and nem atodes
breaks down glucose into CO2 and H+ and e-

Electrochemaically
ucose active bacteria xCO2 + yH+ + ne -

The anodic oxidation of glucose takes place

and the chemical equation is

C6H12O6+12H2O = 6HCO3+30H++24e
The electrons thus liberated are attracted towards anode
since the electrons are negatively charged and anode is
positive.

The electrons flow from anode to cathode via energy

harvester such as LED bulb . They are then come out of
cathode. Few of the electrons react with O2 and remaining
flow back to the anode thus forming a closed path.

6O2 + 24H+ + 24e = 12H2O

The best pair of electrodes that produces highest power output has to
be determined prior to any further optimization effects.

In the present work, four different material of electrodes have been

selected because they are locally available and easily abundant. They
are Cu, Fe, Zn,Al.

The electrode with higher and lower electrode potential E0 is selected

as anode and cathode, respectively. Simultaneous oxidation and
reduction process occur at anode and cathode allow the flow of
negative ions to the anode and positive ions move towards cathode
Aloe vera
Figure shows the digital clock is functional when connected to two pairs of
Cu- Zn electrodes with aloe vera as organic energy source. The digital clock
equires a single AA 1.5V battery to operate.. Longer periods of testing time
were carried out and it was found to be in an operation mode for more than
alf day.
One of the most promising PMFC application is green roof because it can
dominate the advantages of these roofs with electricity generation

THER ADVANTAGES:
STORM-WATER RUNOFF RETENTION

HIGH AESTHETICVALUE

INCREASED BIODIVERSITY

IMPROVEMENTS IN AIRQUALITY

BUILDING INSULATIONAND

DECREASE IN TEMPERATUREWITHINCITIES
Electricity generation potential depends upon

1) Types of plant/crop

2) Types of microorganism

3) Sediments / soil

4) Weather condition
European research consortium is working on optimal electricity
production of 3.2W/M2. On a flat roof of 50 M2 , 150W could be
continuously produced.

Assuming an average electricity need of 500W, a green roof could

provide approximately 1/3 rd of household’s electricity need.

Energy use by the household will decrease further due to the

insulation capacity of the green roof.

At an electricity price of RS. 4.00/KWH, A 50-M2 electricity producing

green roof could potentially save a household RS 5250 per year
approx.
Output power is less

Require more land to generate more power