Imagine tires that can recharge a vehicle while on the move, streetlights illuminated by the vibrations of passing traffic, or towering buildings that generate power through their natural swaying. These fascinating energy solutions could soon become a reality, thanks to researchers focusing on sustainable materials that create electricity when squeezed or subjected to vibrations.
Imagine tires that can recharge a vehicle while on the move, streetlights illuminated by the vibrations of passing traffic, or towering buildings that generate power through their natural swaying.
Such innovative energy solutions may soon be actualized by researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, who are crafting eco-friendly materials that generate electricity through compression or vibration.
In a recent study featured in the journal Nature Communications, the research team created a polymer film that incorporates a unique chalcogenide perovskite compound, which produces electricity when mechanically stressed—a process known as the piezoelectric effect. Although other piezoelectric materials are available, this one stands out as a leading option because it is free from lead, making it ideal for usage in machinery, infrastructure, and biomedical devices.
“We are thrilled by our discoveries and their potential to aid the transition to renewable energy,” stated Nikhil Koratkar, Ph.D., the lead author of the study and a professor in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering. “Lead is hazardous, and its use is increasingly restricted. Our mission was to develop a material that is lead-free and can be produced affordably using elements readily available in nature.”
The energy-harvesting film, measuring just 0.3 millimeters in thickness, can be integrated into numerous devices, machines, and structures, Koratkar noted.
“Ultimately, the material transforms mechanical energy into electrical energy—the more pressure applied and the larger the surface area it covers, the more electricity is generated,” Koratkar explained. “For instance, it could be installed beneath roads to create power as vehicles pass over, or embedded in construction materials to generate electricity from building vibrations.”
The piezoelectric effect occurs in materials that are not symmetrically structured. When exposed to stress, these materials deform, causing the separation of positive and negative ions within them. This separation, referred to scientifically as a “dipole moment,” can be captured to produce an electric current. The chalcogenide perovskite discovered by the RPI team is particularly effective, as its structural symmetry can be notably disrupted under stress, resulting in a strong piezoelectric response.
After creating this new material, which contains barium, zirconium, and sulfur, the researchers assessed its electricity-generating capabilities by testing it with various movements, including walking, running, clapping, and finger tapping.
The results demonstrated that the material could generate sufficient electricity to power LED banks that illuminated the letters RPI.
“These findings indicate that this technology could be beneficial, for instance, in gear worn by runners or cyclists, enhancing the visibility of their shoes or helmets. However, we view this as merely a proof of concept; our aspiration is to eventually implement this material on a larger scale where it can significantly impact energy generation,” said Koratkar.
Looking ahead, Koratkar’s lab plans to investigate a broader range of chalcogenide perovskite compounds to identify those that may produce an even more potent piezoelectric effect. He indicated that artificial intelligence and machine learning could play key roles in this endeavor.
“The need for sustainable energy production is crucial for our future,” commented Shekhar Garde, Ph.D., dean of the RPI School of Engineering. “Professor Koratkar’s research exemplifies how innovative strategies in materials discovery can tackle global challenges.”
