Introduction
A team of researchers from Nankai University in China and start-up firm East Eight Energy have developed a miniature generator that can convert the movements of molecules in room temperature liquid into electricity. This breakthrough could potentially be used to power various devices, including medical implants and small household appliances.
The Concept
Molecules are constantly in motion due to the thermal energy they possess. Even at room temperature, they are always moving, albeit imperceptible to the human eye. Recognizing this, the researchers wanted to explore the possibility of harvesting and converting this molecular motion into electricity.
The Device
The energy-harvesting device created by the team is just 1-centimeter square. It consists of a top and bottom electrode with several 25-nanometer-wide strands of zinc oxide attached to each. The choice of zinc oxide was based on its ability to generate electrical charge under mechanical deformation. The device resembles two toothbrushes with bristles facing each other.
The Experiment
To test the device, the researchers submerged it into a container of n-octane, a liquid similar to propane or butane, at room temperature. The moving molecules in the liquid interacted with the miniature strands of zinc oxide, generating a small voltage of 2.28 millivolts and a 2.47 nanoampere current.
Potential Applications
The team envisions several potential applications for the device. It could be used to supply energy for nanotechnologies, such as tiny implants for drug delivery. Additionally, the researchers aim to scale up the technology to power larger devices, and even hope that one day it could be used to charge phones and TVs.
Expert Opinion
According to João Ventura, a researcher at the University of Porto in Portugal, this breakthrough demonstrates that mechanical energy from the thermal motion of liquid molecules can be converted into constant electrical power at room temperature, without the need for any additional energy source. While the device currently generates low voltages, it holds the potential to become a clean and ubiquitous energy source for low-power devices.
