Researchers at University of Limerick have developed a new method of growing organic crystals that can be used for energy-harvesting applications.
Researchers at University of Limerick have developed a new method of growing organic crystals that can be used for energy-harvesting applications.
The energy that is being harvested as part of this research is being generated by squeezing amino acid molecules, the building blocks of proteins that exist in the human body.
Piezoelectricity, which translates from Greek to mean pressing electricity, usually found in ceramics or polymers, is also present in human biomolecules.
The research team from the Actuate Lab in the Department of Chemical Sciences and Bernal Institute at UL, have previously utilised predictive computer models that allow them to identify how much electricity a biological material will generate when you squeeze it – making this material suitable to power sensors in consumer electronics and medical devices.
Read more at University of Limerick
Image: PhD student Tara Ryan, Associate Professor Sarah Guerin, PhD student Krishna Hari and Dr Suman Bhattacharya pictured in the Bernal Institute at University of Limerick (Credit: University of Limerick)
