Self-powered devices breakthrough – shake and bake

Published by The Editors | Filed under piezoelectric

The idea of self powered devices has been around a long time, as evidenced by the self-winding watch one of our editors wears. A recent breakthrough by Texas A&M researchers looks to take self-powered devices beyond simple mechanical power to electric power.

The sound of your voice could one day help power your cell phone thanks to a breakthrough described in the journal Physical Review B. Researchers say they boosted the performance of “piezoelectric” materials, which produce electricity from vibrations, to the point where even the subtle energy of sound waves can be harnessed.

For over a century, scientists have exploited the unique physics of such materials. They’re used, for example, to power quartz watches and in cigarette lighters. Tahir Cagin, a chemical engineering professor at Texas A&M University, and his team doubled the usual power output by making a version just 21 nanometers wide, 5,000 times thinner than a human hair.

Delving into the press release, in addition to the application of piezoelectrics to small personal consumer electronic devices, there are military applications, partying applications (installation of the materials in dance floors) and health applications (installation of the materials in gym floors). What about using these materials in seismically active areas?