Power generation includes vast plants that are typically non-renewable and have high rates of carbon emissions. But scientists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have developed such a clean-energy device that generates 'out of thin air' electricity.
Specifically, the air generator is capable of converting the moisture in the air into electricity. The air-gen uses electrically conductive nanowires made from special microbe protein known as Geobacter. The wires are arranged over the electrode surface as thin films about 10 micron / micrometer thick. The film is partially covered from the top by another electrode, which is smaller in size.
Protein nanowire film absorbs water vapor from the atmosphere. An electrical current is generated between the two electrodes through the chemical interactions of water with the protein. The electricity generated by the films is maintained — a constant supply of electricity. Scientists suggest that this is due to the film's self-maintained moisture gradient, which holds water vapor in the air.
Air-gen systems are capable of generating a sustained voltage of about 0.5 volts. In conjunction with this, many tools may be used to increase the voltage and the current to power electronics. Although existing air-gen devices can power small electronics, researchers must continue to improve technology for commercial use. We aim to use technology to drive wearables such as smartwatches and, ultimately, smartphones.
Technology would remove the need to charge electronics on a periodic basis, as the researchers note in their paper, "Our findings demonstrate the viability of a continuous energy-harvesting strategy that is less constrained by location or environmental conditions than other sustainable approaches." In order to make technology commercially feasible, researchers have also established a method for generating p. Jun Yao explains that the microbial strain of "E" has been turned. Coli in a nanowire protein plant.
Specifically, the air generator is capable of converting the moisture in the air into electricity. The air-gen uses electrically conductive nanowires made from special microbe protein known as Geobacter. The wires are arranged over the electrode surface as thin films about 10 micron / micrometer thick. The film is partially covered from the top by another electrode, which is smaller in size.
Protein nanowire film absorbs water vapor from the atmosphere. An electrical current is generated between the two electrodes through the chemical interactions of water with the protein. The electricity generated by the films is maintained — a constant supply of electricity. Scientists suggest that this is due to the film's self-maintained moisture gradient, which holds water vapor in the air.
Air-gen systems are capable of generating a sustained voltage of about 0.5 volts. In conjunction with this, many tools may be used to increase the voltage and the current to power electronics. Although existing air-gen devices can power small electronics, researchers must continue to improve technology for commercial use. We aim to use technology to drive wearables such as smartwatches and, ultimately, smartphones.
Technology would remove the need to charge electronics on a periodic basis, as the researchers note in their paper, "Our findings demonstrate the viability of a continuous energy-harvesting strategy that is less constrained by location or environmental conditions than other sustainable approaches." In order to make technology commercially feasible, researchers have also established a method for generating p. Jun Yao explains that the microbial strain of "E" has been turned. Coli in a nanowire protein plant.
