Researchers create “mini green power plants” from artificial leaves

Scientists have developed tiny generators that mimic lotus leaves’ water-repellent behavior and can harvest energy from wind and rain droplets, according to a recent study (pdf). The artificial leaves are made of textile-based materials that can produce electricity through triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) and droplet-based electricity generators (DEGs).

How does that work? The TENGs can harness wind energy by using the contact and separation of two different materials, while the DEGs can convert the kinetic energy of falling water droplets into electric energy. The team tested two types of generators, one for wind and one for rain, and found that they could produce up to 252 volts and 113 volts respectively for short periods of time.

The possible applications: The researchers have found that the artificial leaves can power light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and a digital thermal sensor under wind and rain conditions. They also showed that the artificial leaves can be designed as a synthetic plant to form a mini green power station.