A groundbreaking collaboration between researchers at ETH Zurich in Switzerland and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore has uncovered a novel use for an often overlooked by-product of the poultry industry—chicken feathers. This remarkable innovation promises to harness millions of tonnes of discarded chicken feathers, typically incinerated, to create an environmentally friendly energy source.
The poultry industry annually disposes of a staggering 40 million tonnes of chicken feathers. Incinerating these feathers not only releases substantial amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) but also emits toxic gases, including sulphur dioxide (SO2). However, the research teams have embarked on a mission to unlock the potential of these feathers by extracting keratin, a protein found within them, and transforming it into ultra-fine fibers.
These keratin fibers are then integrated into the membranes of fuel cells, a move that could revolutionize clean energy generation. These fuel cells use hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, emitting only heat and water as byproducts.
Raffaele Mezzenga, a professor at ETH Zurich, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I've devoted a number of years to researching different ways we can use food waste for renewable energy systems. We're taking a substance that releases CO2 and toxic gases when burned and using it in a different setting. With our new technology, it not only replaces toxic substances but also prevents the release of CO2, decreasing the overall carbon footprint cycle.”
Traditional fuel cell membranes have historically relied on the use of highly toxic and non-biodegradable chemicals, which are not only expensive but also detrimental to the environment. In contrast, the membrane developed by the Swiss and Singaporean researchers predominantly consists of biological keratin, an environmentally compatible material abundantly found in chicken feathers.
This groundbreaking development translates into a membrane that is up to three times cheaper to produce than conventional alternatives, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective solution for fuel cell technology.
The researchers believe their innovative keratin membrane has the potential to play a vital role in advancing hydrogen production. Beyond fuel cells, it can also be used in the process of water splitting, contributing to the development of sustainable and clean energy sources.
The next phase of research will focus on assessing the durability and stability of the keratin membrane, with the aim of further enhancing its performance. The research team has already filed a joint patent for this revolutionary technology and is actively seeking investors or companies to collaborate in further development and eventual market deployment. This breakthrough signifies a significant step toward a more sustainable future, where unexpected resources like chicken feathers are harnessed to address the growing demand for clean and renewable energy.
