We have a variety of electronic devices and all of them require charging. Although there are now wireless charging stations, they still need to be plugged into an electrical outlet. The charging process has not changed over the past ten years or more.
But researchers at the University of Buffalo and the Chinese Academy of Sciences may have taken the next step in this area by eliminating the need for electricity. According to the publication of the results of their work in the journal Nano Energy, all that is required is a special metal plate, and a little movement.
The secret lies in the triboelectrization effect that we have all experienced in reality. This is the effect of an electrical charge when two materials rub against each other.
Yes, this is how static electricity arises - the discharge of which can sometimes be felt by touching another person.
This type of contact electrification was difficult to turn into a practical source of energy, although such work was carried out. The materials are often difficult to manufacture, or expensive. The metal plate created by the scientists made it possible to overcome these obstacles.
Energy through movement
The plate contains two thin sheets of gold, between which is placed a plate of silicon-based polymer "polydimethylsiloxane", which is commonly used in contact lenses, and also as "smart plasticine". One of the sheets of gold is stretched out and, once released, contracts to form folds. With repeated application of force, friction occurs between the layers of gold and polymer.
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“This makes electrons move back and forth between the gold sheets. The more intense the friction, the more energy is produced,”says author Yun Xu, a professor at the Institute of Semiconductors of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in a press release. "This friction can be done with a slight movement of the fingers."
As a sample, the scientists demonstrated a metal plate measuring only 1.5 cm long and 1 cm wide. She gave out a voltage of 124 volts, and the current strength was sufficient to glow 48 red LEDs. It is expected that, after being finalized, the technology will soon allow smartphones and other gadgets to be charged through movements.
“Nobody wants to depend on an electrical outlet and carry a charger with them. The human body is a rich source of energy, why not use it to provide the kind of energy we need?”Lead author Siaoxiang Gang, professor of electrical engineering at the University of Buffalo, said in a press release.
Scientists plan to improve the performance of the charger, as well as create a portable battery for it.
Vadim Tarabarko