Scientists from Korea are working on an awesome technology which converts sound waves into electricity. The research could lead to panels that would turn noise into energy that could be be used to, for instance, charge a mobile phone from a conversation.
Harvesting energy from sounds waves is based on materials known as piezoelectrics, which when bent, turn that mechanical energy into electricity. Among the piezoelectric materials are cane sugar, quartz and even dried bone — some of which have been used in environmental sensors, speakers and other devices.
In recent years, scientists have made dramatic advances in getting electricity out of piezoelectric devices — there were projects that generate power as a person walks, runs or, in this case, talks.
The Korean scientists used zinc oxide, the main ingredient in calamine lotion, to create a field of nanowires sandwiched between two electrodes. Once blasted with sound waves at 100 decibels, a mild electrical current of about 50 millivolts was produced. That’s not enough to charge a phone, but it’s a proof of concept. As they continue their work, they expect to get a higher power output… Like how it sounds. 😉
[Via: msnbc]