(NAT) TRIBOELECTRIFICATION

Harnessing a principle known as triboelectrification, researchers have worked out the optimal way to generate an electrical charge in a relatively simple way. The breakthrough could provide a battery-free way to power wearables and other devices.

In the world of clean power generation, triboelectrification is a relatively unknown player. It's basically the same thing as static electricity – the generation of energy through friction when two surfaces rub up against each other, or are pulled apart. While the method will never replace wind, solar, geothermal and other green energy initiatives because of its inability to generate serious power, it could have a home in smaller applications such as medical devices and wearable tech.

In fact, triboelectrification has already been used to develop a sensor for detecting mercury in foods; a tree-mounted device that can detect carbon monoxide and temperature changes to monitor forest fire outbreaks; and a special yarn that can turn any fabric into a mini power plant. Researchers at the University of Alabama have even created an inexpensive triboelectric generator out of double-sided tape and plastic film.

Now, a team of researchers from Brussels, Australia, and Hong Kong has unlocked another secret to the effectiveness of the triboelectric effect. After experimenting with a range of materials, the scientists created nano-sized plastic beads made from melamine and formaldehyde. They then discovered that mixing the sizes of the beads was the key to the success of efficient triboelectric energy generation. More of this article (New Atlas) - link - more like this (clothing) - link - more like this (clean energy) - link