Your morning jog might soon power your wearable devices, thanks to groundbreaking nanotechnology developed by researchers at the University of Surrey. The university’s Advanced Technology Institute (ATI) has created flexible nanogenerators capable of delivering a 140-fold increase in power density over conventional models, marking a significant leap in renewable energy technology.
Breakthrough in Nanogenerator Efficiency
The innovative nanogenerators developed by ATI researchers can convert everyday mechanical energy, such as motion or vibrations, into substantial amounts of electrical energy. For context, while traditional nanogenerators typically generate around 10 milliwatts of power, this new technology can amplify that output to over 1,000 milliwatts. This makes it suitable for various real-world applications, from powering small devices to larger systems like wearable electronics and off-grid sensors.
According to a study published in Nano Energy, the flexible nanogenerators use a process called the charge regeneration effect, where multiple electrodes collect and transfer energy in a relay-like system. As energy is passed along, it accumulates, significantly boosting the total amount collected.
Potential to Rival Solar Energy
Dr. Delavar Hussain, the lead author of the study, explained that the goal of nanogenerators is to harness energy from everyday activities. “Imagine powering your devices simply through movement—whether that’s from jogging, vibrations, or even ocean waves,” said Hussain. He emphasized that their device’s refined design, utilizing 34 tiny energy collectors created with laser technology, enhances the efficiency and scalability of the nanogenerator, positioning it as a potential rival to solar panels.
“What excites us the most is the possibility of these small, high-density devices competing with solar technology in terms of energy output,” Hussain added. “They could be used for various applications, from autonomous IoT devices to smart home systems that run without the need for batteries.”
Nanogenerators for Healthcare and Beyond
The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) developed at the University of Surrey works on the principle of static electricity—similar to rubbing a balloon against your hair. These nanogenerators harvest energy from everyday movements and can power devices without relying on batteries.
Dr. Bhaskar Dudem, a co-author of the study, announced that they are planning to launch a company focused on autonomous, non-invasive sensors for healthcare using this technology. “This opens the door to exciting innovations in sustainable medical technology, with immense industrial scalability,” Dudem stated.
A New Era of Wireless Energy Solutions
Professor Ravi Silva, another co-author of the study and Director of the ATI, noted that with over 50 billion Internet of Things (IoT) devices expected to be in use within the next few years, there is an urgent need for localized, green energy solutions. “These nanogenerators offer a way to harvest mechanical energy to power small devices wirelessly, presenting a sustainable solution to global energy challenges,” Silva said.
The potential applications for this technology are vast, ranging from smart home systems to autonomous IoT devices, and even in healthcare to support patients with conditions like dementia. “We are incredibly excited about the transformative potential of these nanogenerators,” Silva concluded.
For further details, you can read the full article on TechXplore.
