MIT creates 2D antenna that turns wifi signals to electricity
- 5 years ago
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS — Scientists have created a device that can power electronics, wearables, and other devices without the use of batteries or wires, according to MIT News.
Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology created a rectifying antenna, or rectenna, using a thin molybdenum disulphide semiconductor that's only three atoms thick.
Electromagnetic waves like Wi-Fi are captured via the device's radio frequency antenna, and then converted into direct current.
The rectenna produced 40 microwatts of power when exposed to typical wifi signals of around 150 microwatts, enough to power an LED or silicon chips.
According to MIT, early applications for the technology include flexible smartphones and wearable electronics.
The device can also reportedly be used to power medical implants or swallowable sensors in place of traditional batteries, which can leak lithium and be lethal to patients.
Due to its flexibility, the device can be fabricated to cover large areas. Researchers believe it's possible to develop electronic systems that can wrap around highways, bridges, or office walls.
Though the technology has been around for a while, most rectennas are made from rigid materials like silicon or gallium arsenide, according to Science Alert. The MIT team is the first to create a flexible rectenna that can generate a practical amount of electricity.
The team's research was published Monday in the journal Nature. They are now reportedly planning to improve efficiency and build more complex systems.
Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology created a rectifying antenna, or rectenna, using a thin molybdenum disulphide semiconductor that's only three atoms thick.
Electromagnetic waves like Wi-Fi are captured via the device's radio frequency antenna, and then converted into direct current.
The rectenna produced 40 microwatts of power when exposed to typical wifi signals of around 150 microwatts, enough to power an LED or silicon chips.
According to MIT, early applications for the technology include flexible smartphones and wearable electronics.
The device can also reportedly be used to power medical implants or swallowable sensors in place of traditional batteries, which can leak lithium and be lethal to patients.
Due to its flexibility, the device can be fabricated to cover large areas. Researchers believe it's possible to develop electronic systems that can wrap around highways, bridges, or office walls.
Though the technology has been around for a while, most rectennas are made from rigid materials like silicon or gallium arsenide, according to Science Alert. The MIT team is the first to create a flexible rectenna that can generate a practical amount of electricity.
The team's research was published Monday in the journal Nature. They are now reportedly planning to improve efficiency and build more complex systems.