Clemson researchers blaze new ground in wireless energy generation

EurekAlert  February 5, 2018
Researchers at Clemson University have invented a wireless triboelectric nanogenerator (W-TENG) based on their earlier invention U-TENG. W-TENG is made of a multipart fiber, made of graphene and poly-lactic acid, and Teflon. The device generates a max voltage of 3000 volts – enough to power 25 standard electrical outlets. Because the voltage is so high, the W-TENG generates an electric field around itself that can be sensed wirelessly. Its electrical energy can be stored wirelessly in capacitors and batteries. According to the researchers the device has applications in outer space, the middle of the ocean or even the military battlefield… read more.  TECHNICAL ARTICLE 

CAPTION: The W-TENG is 3-D printed out of a graphene-PLA nanofiber (A), creating the bottom electrode of the technology (B). A Teflon sheet is then added as the top electrode (C). Adv. Energy Mater. 2017, 1702736