Scientists build a battery powered by sugar and vitamin B2
Researchers have designed a new battery that runs on glucose (sugar) and vitamin B2, inspired by how our bodies turn food into energy.
By swapping out expensive metals for riboflavin (vitamin B2), they've made the battery cheaper and more eco-friendly.
How it works—and why it matters
The battery uses carbon electrodes, with glucose and riboflavin on one side, and either potassium ferricyanide or oxygen on the other.
This setup delivered 20 times more power than earlier glucose batteries—matching commercial vanadium flow batteries but at a lower cost.
A step toward greener energy storage
Because it's built from safe, common materials—not rare or toxic metals—this design could make renewable energy storage way more affordable and sustainable for homes and businesses.
It's an exciting move toward cleaner tech that actually works with nature instead of against it.