Nanowire Generates Power by Harvesting Energy from the Environment

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As the sizes of sensor networks and mobile devices shrink toward the microscale--and even nanoscale, there is a growing need for suitable power sources. Because even the tiniest battery is too big to be used in nanoscale devices, scientists are exploring nanosize systems that can salvage energy from the environment. Researchers at the University of Illinois have now shown that a single nanowire can produce power by harvesting mechanical energy.
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SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. In fiscal year (FY) 2017, its budget is $7.5 billion. NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and other institutions. Each year, NSF receives more than 48,000 competitive proposals for funding and makes about 12,000 new funding awards.