Innovative method of generating eco-friendly energy uses piezoelectricity
Time to digest the new method that Researchers at University of Limerick in Ireland have developed by growing organic crystals that can be used for energy-harvesting applications. The energy that is being harvested as part of this research is being generated by squeezing amino acid molecules, the building blocks of proteins that exist in the human body. Piezoelectricity, which translates from Greek to mean pressing electricity, usually found in ceramics or polymers, is also present in human biomolecules. Earlier researchers has utilized predictive computer models that allow them to identify how much electricity a biological material will generate when you squeeze it—making this material suitable to power sensors in consumer electronics and medical devices. Now researchers have shaped the crystals they make using silicon molds into disks or any custom shape required depending on the application—for example, a medical device element versus a phone microphone or car sensor. Tapping thes