Piezopolymers to transform motion into electrical energy for chemical-free disinfection
Résumé
The ever-moving world has an endless supply of untapped motion energy. Like solar radiation, mechanical energy is very abundant in the natural and built environments. In nature, motions occur at various frequencies, for example, in tides, winds, noise, vibrations, even our breathing. Nonetheless, those natural forces are difficult to harness due to their low frequencies and often intermittent availability. Piezocatalysis is the application of an external force at appropriate magnitudes and frequencies to induce a piezopotential, which can create an electrical field and, in turn, fuel electrochemical reactions. While this phenomenon has been observed in many materials, including minerals and synthetic polymers, the scale-up is often limited by the need for periodic external forces. Scientists and engineers, therefore, should look beyond their laboratory gadgets and carefully observe the environment to design smart piezocatalytic microsystems, and then test them in the real world. Here, we present possible future applications in chemical-free disinfection and redox reactions, antifouling, wearable devices, ship hull plating, jewelry cleaning, dental care, athletic shoes, air conditioners, and more.
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