Imagine powering your wearable tech during a morning jog or while simply moving around your home—this could become a reality thanks to a breakthrough at the University of Surrey. Researchers at the Surrey Advanced Technology Institute (ATI) have developed a flexible nanogenerator that boasts a staggering 140-fold increase in power density compared to traditional models. This advancement could potentially make nanogenerators as efficient as today’s solar panels.
A Leap in Energy Harvesting
Published in the journal Nano Energy, the new nanogenerators can convert everyday mechanical movements into significant amounts of electrical energy. While conventional nanogenerators typically produce around 10 milliwatts, this cutting-edge technology achieves over 1,000 milliwatts. This increase in power density opens up a myriad of potential applications, from wearable electronics to self-powered sensors.
Innovative Energy Collection
The device operates on a principle similar to a relay race, where energy is progressively accumulated. Instead of a single electrode handling the charge, multiple tiny energy collectors, refined through advanced laser technology, work in tandem to boost energy efficiency. This process, known as the charge regeneration effect, dramatically increases the energy output of the nanogenerator.
Dr. Delavar Hussain, lead author of the study, expressed enthusiasm for the technology’s potential: “Our refined nanogenerator technology, equipped with 34 tiny energy collectors, could rival solar panels in power density. It holds promise for a range of applications, from off-grid sensors to smart home systems that do not require frequent battery changes.”
Looking Ahead
With the anticipated rise of over 50 billion Internet of Things (IoT) devices in the coming years, local green energy solutions like these nanogenerators could become crucial. Professor Ravi Silva, Director of the Institute for Advanced Technology, highlighted the growing need for sustainable energy solutions that harness mechanical movement for powering small devices.
The ATI team is also exploring the commercialization of this technology, with plans to launch a company focusing on autonomous, non-invasive healthcare sensors using triboelectric technology. This innovation is expected to stimulate new developments in sustainable medical technology and enhance industrial scalability.
For more details, visit the full article on Techxplore.
