Communications of the ACM
Clemson Researchers Blaze New Ground in Wireless Energy Generation For Future Electronic Gadgets
Clemson's U-TENG device generates electricity from motion and vibrations.
Credit: Sai Sunil Mallineni / Clemson University
Researchers at Clemson University have developed the ultra-simple tirboelectric nanogenerator (U-TENG) designed to take mechanical motion and transform it into electricity. The device takes a new approach on traditional TENGs, which are made from materials new to the nanotechnology field. However, the researchers note the novelty of these materials presents a challenge when progressing the TENG from the research and development stage to mass production. They say the U-TENG is made of the plastic used for water bottles and high-temperature tape. "
You take these two materials, make them electrically conducting by adding a nanometer-thick layer of indium tin oxide so that current can flow through, and put a spacer between them," notes Clemson professor Ramakrishna Podila. "Then, you tape them together. That's it."
Once the U-TENG is assembled, all it takes is repetitive motion to bring the two materials into contact, transforming mechanical energy into electricity, Podila says.
From Clemson University
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