Protein in chicken feathers repurposed for fuel cell membrane

The researchers from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and ETH Zurich, Switzerland created a thin membrane capable of conducting protons by extracting the protein keratin from chicken feathers, then processing it into ultra-fine amyloid fibrils. The membrane could also have potential application in electrolysis, the team said.

The researchers, led by Professor Ali Miserez from NTU’s School of Material Science and Engineering and School of Biological Sciences, and NTU Visiting Professor Raffaele Mezzenga, said their membrane reduces carbon emissions from the burning of unwanted chicken feathers and is produced sustainably. The team’s research is detailed in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.

In a statement, Professor Ali Miserez said: “The poultry industry generates millions of tons of unwanted chicken feather waste, which is burnt off in disposal, releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide and toxic gases such as sulphur dioxide. Our membrane reduces such emissions by repurposing the feathers into further green applications in fuel cells. The membrane not only has a negative carbon footprint from its production, but can operate without further carbon dioxide emissions when used in a fuel cell.”