Researchers have introduced a novel approach for cultivating organic crystals suitable for energy-harvesting purposes.
A team from the University of Limerick in Ireland has created a new technique for growing organic crystals that can be utilized in energy-harvesting technologies.
This research focuses on harvesting energy by compressing amino acid molecules, which are the fundamental components of proteins found in the human body.
The concept of piezoelectricity, originating from Greek meaning “pressing electricity,” is typically observed in ceramics or polymers, but it is also found in human biomolecules.
The Actuate Lab researchers in the Department of Chemical Sciences and the Bernal Institute at UL have previously employed predictive computer models to determine the amount of electricity a biological material generates when squeezed. This finding suggests potential use in powering sensors in consumer electronics and medical devices.
According to their latest publication in Physical Review Letters, this advancement allows researchers to mold the crystals they create using silicon molds into discs or any specific shape needed for various applications, such as components for medical devices, smartphone microphones, or car sensors.
By tapping on these discs and plates, they can produce a useful voltage that, if amplified, could charge electronic devices using common forces.
Lead author of the study and UL PhD student, Krishna Hari, discussed the importance of this development: “The flexible molding technique we developed is a cost-effective, low-temperature growth process that paves the way for incorporating biomolecular piezoelectrics as high-performance, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional ceramics.”
This research project, titled Pb-FREE: Piezoelectric Biomolecules for Lead-Free, Reliable, Eco-Friendly Electronics, is funded by a starting grant from the European Research Council (ERC) awarded to Associate Professor Sarah Guerin.
The UL faculty member and researcher, who was recognized as Research Ireland (SFI) Early Career Researcher of the Year in 2023, expressed optimism about the implications of this recent breakthrough for solid-state chemistry.
“We aspire for this to be a transformative advancement for the entire field, as many scientists are striving to grow biological crystals that still exhibit chaotic behaviors. I am enthusiastic about whether this methodology will gain traction among those working on sustainable piezoelectrics,” stated Associate Professor Guerin.
If successful, the Research team at UL may also eliminate harmful materials like lead from consumer electronics.
“There are regulations in the EU regarding lead use, but piezoelectrics remain one of the last mainstream technologies permitted to contain this substance due to a lack of high-performance alternatives,” explained Associate Professor Guerin.
“Each year, approximately 4,000 tons of lead-based electronic waste is produced from these sensors, and our research could potentially eliminate this waste from the production cycle.”
