Electric Skin: A Renewable and Compostable Energy Source

The world of renewable energy sources is about to witness a groundbreaking innovation with the Electric Skin project. Four international researchers; Nada Elkharashi, Catherine Euale, Seqouia Fischer, and Paige Perillat-Piratoine, have embarked on a mission to develop energy sources that are both renewable and compostable.

Inspired by the characteristics of a living membrane like the human skin’, their aim is to create a flexible battery that revolutionises the way we power everyday objects.

At the heart of the project lies the exploration of protein nanowires, specifically pili. These hair-like structures, commonly found on the surface of bacteria, enable movement and adherence to surfaces. The researchers were intrigued by the fact that nanowires can generate up to 0.5 volts of electricity across a thin film measuring only seven micrometres.

Building upon the research of Dr. Derek Lovley and Dr. Jun Yao from the University of Massachusetts Amherst who first discovered the biofilm bacteria, the team discovered that protein nanowires could be utilized to convert energy from moisture evaporation into electricity. By incorporating the nanowires within a compostable biomaterial, such as algae-based membranes, the researchers envision a fully biodegradable energy source that completes a seamless cycle, starting from bacteria in the soil and returning to compost.

The significance of using a compostable biomaterial lies in its inherent living or biomimetic property, similar to the skin of a living creature. By giving the material a texture membrane capable of charging devices with ambient air, a psychological connection is created between the inanimate and the living, reducing the likelihood of disposing of a living thing.

The potential application of the flexible battery is vast. The research team imagines a future where this electric skin powers light fixtures or charges phones. By incorporating this technology into everyday objects, the team hopes to transform how people interact and connect with their surroundings.