Greetings Folks,

I came across some exciting news earlier and had to share with you all. The following information comes from Science Blog and Science Alert.

Scientists from the University of Massachusetts Amherst have developed a device that can create electricity from moisture in the air. Called the “Air-gen,” Electrical Engineer Jun Yao and Microbiologist Derek Lovely created this air-powered generator with electrically conductive protein nanowires. The Air-gen connects electrodes to the protein nanowires and an electrical current is generated from the water vapor in the atmosphere. Yao and Lovely advised the following:

“We are literally making electricity out of thin air. The Air-gen generates clean energy 24/7.” 

“It’s the most amazing and exciting application of protein nanowires yet.”

The Air-gen consists of a thin film of protein nanowires that’s 7 micrometres thick and is also exposed to the air. Because of the exposure, the nanowires film can absorb water from the atmosphere, enabling the device to generate an electrical current. This device is non-polluting, renewable, and cost-efficient; it can generate power in low humidity; it does not require sunlight or wind; it can also work indoors.

The next step for the Air-gen is to develop a patch that can power electronic wearables like health/fitness monitors, smartwatches, etc. And I can’t wait for the updates.

To check out the full articles, click here and here. If you have any additional information, feel free to comment below.

Until Next Time…