British scientists have created a new way to charge smartphones - using urine.
Researchers have revealed a new system which transforms urine into electricity using a microbial fuel cell.
Just over half a litre of urine is enough for six hours of charge time, which can power a smartphone for three hours.
The units contain bacteria that breaks down the chemicals in urine, in the process releasing energy in the form of electricity which is stored on a capacitor within a fuel cell.
'The microbial fuel cells (MFC) work by employing live microbes which feed on urine for their own growth and maintenance,' explained Professor Ioannis Ieropoulos.
'The MFC is, in effect, a system which taps a portion of that biochemical energy.
'This technology is about as green as it gets, as we do not need to utilise fossil fuels and we are effectively using a waste product that will be in plentiful supply.'
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