Nanofiber

Nanofiber

With the push to reduce our carbon footprint and find more efficient energy sources, scientists have been researches new ways to produce electricity. Solar, thermal, and mechanical energies that utilize our environment are common solutions to the power-problem. These technologies typically focus on bringing energy to large areas, as opposed to smaller energy for just a single consumer. Recently, researchers have been experimenting with new technologies that focus on bringing electricity to the individual, particularly those in areas where other types of power sources are impractical, such as the military.

Of the many possibilities, one of the latest describes clothing with tiny wires woven in to generate electricity from the slightest movements, including the breeze or a heartbeat. Scientists at the Georgia Institute of Technology have woven zinc oxide fibers into Kevlar textile fibers to produce small amounts of electricity. The mechanical energy of the wires rubbing against each other is converted into an electric charge through a small-scale semi-conductor process. As the wires flex and touch, conductive platinum or gold tips, which serve as electrodes, produce the small electrical charge. The electricity produced is then channeled into a cathode output. This technology would work at low frequencies, typically those below ten hertz, and would woven into flexible, soft materials, as to be used in everyday objects. Researchers hope to combine multiple fiber pairs to enhance to current performance of the fibers. As the design improves, researchers estimate that the micro fibers could generate as much as 80 milliwatts of power. The electricity produced would be enough to power small electronic devices, such as a cell phone or iPod.

The possibilities for this new technology are nearly endless. Not only could the Nanowire fibers be used to generate electricity from clothing, but it could also be wired into curtains, tents, and other every day items, to harness energy from wind motion, sound vibration, or other mechanical energy. Still, researchers are struggling with how to wash these new power-generating fabrics, as zinc oxide is sensitive to moisture.