Electricity Production with a Fuel Cell Using Agarose Gel Membrane Extracted from Sorghum bicolor

Between 2020 and 2022, I worked as the project owner of a TÜBİTAK-supported scientific research project focused on sustainable electricity generation using fuel cell technology. This project aimed to explore an agriculture-supported, environmentally friendly, and locally sourced method to produce electricity—aligning with both scientific innovation and national sustainability goals. Our work revolved around using Sorghum Bicolor (sugar sorghum), an energy crop well-suited to Turkey’s climatic conditions. This plant was used to extract bioethanol, which was then processed into electricity using a Direct Ethanol Fuel Cell (DEFC) system. Key achievements and highlights include: Collaboration with professors from Mersin University on experimental design and testing. Recognition at the 52nd TÜBİTAK High School Students Research Project Competition in Adana. Awarded “Most Sustainable Project” at the 2019 TAC Science Fair. Throughout this process, I was responsible for experimental planning, data collection, technical documentation, and final presentation delivery. It was a unique opportunity that blended renewable energy research with agricultural innovation—and it significantly expanded both my scientific and project management skills.