Researchers at the University of Limerick in Ireland have developed a new method to grow organic crystals that can harvest energy. This energy is generated by applying pressure to amino acid molecules, which are the fundamental building blocks of proteins found in the human body. Piezoelectricity, a term derived from Greek meaning “pressing electricity,” is commonly associated with materials like ceramics and polymers. However, it is also naturally present in human biomolecules. The research team from the Actuate Lab, part of the Department of Chemical Sciences and the Bernal Institute at UL, previously used advanced computer models to predict how much electricity biological materials can produce when compressed. Their findings suggest that these materials could be used to power sensors in consumer electronics and medical devices. This latest breakthrough, published in the journal Physical Review Letters, will allow the researchers to shape the crystals they make using silicon molds into discs or any custom shape required depending on the application, for example, a medical device element versus a phone microphone or car sensor. Tapping these discs and plates generates a useful voltage that if amplified could be used to charge electronic devices using everyday forces.

Full research : Researchers have developed a technique for growing piezoelectric biomolecular crystals that could eliminate the use of toxic lead in electronic devices.