Biocompatible Nanogenerators Explored to Generate Electricity

Abstract

In this era of ‘Smart technologies’ there is a demand for power generation using innovative eco- economical technologies. With increasing population, the use of electric power is also increasing. But we know that the resources are limited to generate electricity and this has led to the energy crisis. Under this scenario, we need to explore non-polluting eco-economical methods to generate electricity. To meet this, a smart material such as piezoelectric materials are subjects of extensive research and development and are continuously finding newer applications. The piezoelectric materials convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. Mechanical energy can be extracted from kinetic energy of vehicles, footsteps, wind currents, breathing etc. Presently, their diverse applications include flexible, biocompatible and energy efficient smart materials used as nanogenerators. In this article we are reporting the making of a prototype using fish scales as piezoelectric material which can convert energy from surroundings like sound energy, wind currents etc into electrical energy. The energy converted to electrical energy can be used for charging of mobile phones lightning streets, portable medical devices etc. This will help reduce the bio-waste and produce new biocompatible nanogenerators which exhibit a feasible source of continuous power for various self- powered devices.