A national researcher has developed a generator that runs on the elongation of nanowires. Through implementing this in stockings, wearable electronics and other devices could be powered just by walking.<?xml:namespace prefix = "o" ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

The research team of KAIST Material Science and Engineering Professor Gun-Jae Lee (이건재) and Seoul National University Mechanical Engineering Professor Seung Hwan Ko revealed on the 15 that they have developed a “Piezoelectric Element (A device that generates electricity when pressure is applied)” that can stay intact and stably output electricity even when stretched to 2~3 times its length

Flexible and elastic electronics are considered applicable in areas such as flexible displays and smartphones. Additionally, application in wearable devices on the knee, elbows or joints are currently being developed. The key point to this technology is its reusability, where efficiency is not lost through repeated usage.

The research team developed a technology where elongation of the material does not depreciate piezoelectric capabilities through weaving multiple nanowires together.

Because hundreds of nanowires are bunched up together, elongation of the material does not affect its conductivity and hence can work normally in stretched conditions. This generator can generate up to 4 volts when stretched to 2.5 times its length with hands. The research team also said that it has commendable stability as the generating capacity did not decrease even after 104 stretches.

Devices such as this that can generate electricity through elongation has many uses in different industries.

When applied to stretchable clothes such as stockings, generation is possible just by walking and electronics can be charged anywhere, anytime. It can also be applied to springs alike, showing the potential applications for various industries such as robot and automobile.

Professor added, “There aren’t many technologies where this kind of stability is shown even with elongation up to 3 times its length. It’s a meaningful result as it was one of the first concepts to generate electricity through elongation.”

The research results were published in the international journal “Advanced Materials”

[Journalist Ho Seop Won]
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