Can 3D printing be used to provide wireless power in space?

Recently, researchers from the Clemson Nanomaterials Research Institute (CNI) in South Carolina used 3D printing technology to create a wireless triboelectric nanogenerator that generates electricity through motion and vibration.

Triboelectricity is a kind of electric charge generated by friction. Clemson University researchers believe that it is a green energy source that can power the earth. Last year, the team produced a simple friction nanogenerator made of plastic and tape materials that had opposite behavior in terms of electronics and generated voltage when they were put together.

The generator can generate electricity by applauding or tapping the foot, which can then be used for storage in a battery or capacitor.

It sounds too simple, but Clemson researchers have just updated their technology to make it more useful. Now wireless, its plastic parts have been replaced with multi-part fibers made of graphene and PLA. The original Kapton tape used to grab the electronics has been replaced by Teflon.

It is this graphene-PLA fiber that makes us particularly excited. First, it is very difficult to operate graphene, but Clemson researchers used a process called "ultrasonic" to break down graphite into a high-frequency acoustic layer. In PLA, the fiber also becomes 3D printed .

Using a 3D printer, the team was able to create a new "W-TENG" nanogenerator capable of generating up to 3000 volts, enough to power 25 standard power outlets. And because the voltage is too high, W-TENG generates an electric field that can be wirelessly sensed, making it a two-in-one power supply and electronics.

Sai Sunil Mallineni, the first author of the study, explained: "It can not only provide you with energy, but also use the electric field as a remote control. For example, you can click on W-TENG and use its electric field as a 'button' to open Your garage door, or you can activate a security system, all of which don't require a battery, and are wireless."

Wireless W-TENG can be used in outer space, in the middle of the ocean, even in military situations where power supply may be insufficient. It can also be used to provide electricity in disaster areas or in developing countries.

Ramakrishna Podila, the author of the study, said: "Some developing countries need a lot of energy, although we may not be able to use batteries or power outlets in this environment. W-TENG may be one of the cleaner ways of generating electricity in these areas."

Researchers are currently seeking patents for their 3D printed wireless nano-generators. A research paper titled "A Wireless Triboelectric Nanogenerator" has been published on Advanced Energy Materials.