NTU Scientists Develop 'Fabric' That Converts Body Movement into Electricity
Scientists at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore have created a stretchable and waterproof "fabric" that converts energy from body movement into electricity.
"A crucial component in the fabric is a polymer that, when pressed or squeezed, converts mechanical stress into electrical energy," read a press release by NTU on June 2. It is also made with stretchable spandex as a base layer and integrated with a rubber-like material to keep it strong, flexible, and waterproof."
The fabric can produce electricity in two ways, namely through piezoelectricity (when it is pressed or squashed) and triboelectric effect (when it is in friction with other materials like skin or rubber gloves).
The scientists' proof-of-concept experiment, which was reported in the Advanced Materials scientific journal back in April, showed the team tapping on a 3 cm by 4 cm piece of fabric, which generated enough energy to light up 100 LEDs.
The fabric also demonstrated durability and stability. Its performance did not degrade upon being washed, folded, and crumpled, and it has the capacity to retain electrical output for up to five months.
"There have been many attempts to develop fabric or garments that can harvest energy from movement, but a big challenge has been to develop something that does not degrade in function after being washed, and at the same time retains excellent electrical output," materials scientist and NTU Associate Provost (Graduate Education) Professor Lee Pooi See, who led the study, was quoted as saying.
As for the potential of their fabric, Lee said they believe “it could be woven into t-shirts or integrated into soles of shoes to collect energy from the body’s smallest movements, piping electricity to mobile devices.”
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