Researchers from the University of Illinois have made a significant breakthrough in waste reduction by developing nanogenerators that can power small electric devices using waste pomelo peel biomass. Pomelo peel, which is typically discarded, accounts for up to 50% of the fruit’s weight and is a significant source of food waste. The researchers separated the peel from the fruit, removed the outer layer, and freeze-dried the remaining portion to preserve its unique three-dimensional, porous structure. The study found that the pomelo peel can be used to create devices that convert mechanical energy into electricity and serve as self-powered motion sensors.
The devices work by leveraging the principle of contact electrification, where static electricity forms when two materials are rubbed against each other. The researchers used pomelo peel biomass and a plastic film as the triboelectric layers, which are brought into contact when external force is present. The device can generate electricity by simply tapping the pomelo peel-based triboelectric nanogenerator with a finger, and it has the potential to power small devices such as calculators or sports watches.
The study also demonstrated the potential for the devices to be used as biomechanical motion sensors, detecting movements such as joint motions and gait patterns. The researchers attached the sensors to various body parts and found that different body movements resulted in distinct electrical signals. This technology could potentially be used to monitor biomechanical motions without the need for external power sources.
The researchers have filed a provisional patent for their pomelo peel-based triboelectric devices and plan to continue exploring opportunities for upcycling food and agricultural waste. The development of this technology could significantly contribute to long-term sustainability by reducing waste and potentially replacing or supplementing non-renewable materials.