Imagine charging your devices simply by walking, bending your wrist, or tapping a surface.
A new study shows this may soon be possible thanks to a breakthrough material that can turn everyday motion into usable electricity.
Researchers led by Professor M. Jasim Uddin, a mechanical engineering professor at SUNY Polytechnic Institute, have created a hybrid film that dramatically improves the performance of triboelectric nanogenerators—devices designed to capture mechanical energy and convert it into power.
Their findings, published in ACS Omega, mark a major step toward self-powered, sustainable technologies.
Triboelectric nanogenerators work by using the contact and separation of materials to produce an electric charge.
While the concept has been around for years, efficiency has been a major challenge, limiting their ability to reliably power devices.
The team at SUNY Polytechnic solved this problem by engineering a new hybrid material that blends polymers with special particles to enhance electricity production.
Specifically, they embedded tiny particles of barium titanate (BaTiO₃), a material known for its excellent electrical properties, into a flexible polymer mix made of PVDF-HFP and PEO.
This combination creates a microstructured film that is not only lightweight and bendable but also capable of generating far more power than previous designs.
In tests, the film increased electrical output by up to 450% compared to standard materials, producing as much as 18 volts from simple movements like walking, wrist bending, or tapping a table. That’s enough to envision powering small wearable electronics, health monitors, or smart sensors built into everyday objects.
What makes the breakthrough particularly exciting is the practicality of the material. The film is thin, flexible, and durable, meaning it could be woven into clothing, attached to sports gear, or integrated into building materials without adding weight or bulk.
It opens the door to wearable devices that never need charging, medical sensors that continuously monitor health without batteries, and smart infrastructure that powers itself through vibrations or foot traffic.
This study highlights the growing potential of nanostructured hybrid materials in renewable energy. By combining innovative design with practical applications, Professor Uddin and his team have demonstrated how motion itself could become a reliable energy source. Their work paves the way for a future where our movements not only keep us going but also keep our technology running.
Source: KSR.
