Electric power generation from ambient moisture using microbial nanowires
Jun Yao, Ph.D., Derek Lovley, Ph.D.
• Sustainable electronics
• Various applications requiring electric power
• Producing electricity from air
• Constant availability agnostic of time and location
• Sustainability
This invention demonstrates thin-film devices made from electrically conductive protein nanowires (e-PNs) that can generate continuous electric power in ambient environment driven by the self-maintained moisture gradient that forms within the film when exposed to the humidity naturally present in the air. The devices can produce substantial voltages at relative humidity as low as 20%.
•Prof. Jun Yao is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His research focuses on nanoelectronic devices and sensors, bioelectronic interfaces, wearable devices, and “green” electronics made from biomaterials.
•Prof. Derek Lovley is a Research Professor in the Department Microbiology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His research focuses on the physiology and ecology of novel anaerobic microorganisms as well as microbial production of protein nanowires for applications in renewable electricity generation and biomedical sensing.
Available for Licensing and/or Sponsored Research
UMA 19-008
F
Patent Pending
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