Researchers have developed a minuscule generator that converts energy from the slightest of movements into usable electricity.
The nanogenerator consists of zinc oxide nanowires, and is based on a phenomenon called piezoelectricity.
Piezoelectric properties of zinc oxide causes the material to generate an electric current when subjected to mechanical stress.
Scientists plan to embed the nanowires in clothes, shoes and even human muscles to harvest energy from users' movements.
The technology is expected to hit the market in five years' time, after the Georgia Tech research team resolves issues to do with increasing the generator's output voltage.
More information is available from Liz Tay's article on iTnews.com.au.
Thursday 26 March 2009
Scientists scavenge power from body movements
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Dr Cathy Foley is the first female president of the Australian Institute of Physics. An industry-recognised advocate for women in Physics, Foley has been credited with starting the AIP’s Women in Physics group as well as the international group for Women in Superconductivity.
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