Nanogenerator creates electricity

Filed in archive Energy on April 15, 2006

Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed nanotechnology out of tiny nanowires that generate electricity when they vibrate, according to a report at All New Headlines.

Imagine the mechanics and technology of a wristwatch if you will. The nanotechnology researchers developed works on the same principle. Just like the quartz crystal in a watch, the zinc-oxide nanowires are piezoelectric, which means bending causes them to produce an electrical charge.

Researchers crafted the wires to be only 20-40 billionths of a meter in diameter, each fiber partners with millions of others to form a nanogenerator capable of producing significant amounts of energy from the slightest activity.

The researchers say motions from body movement; or the stretching of muscles and even the flow of liquids should be able to generate electric charges in the wires. Which would be ideal for implantable medical devices, "smart" apparel and other applications to seamlessly operate. (photo: oxford instruments)