Science Forums 2

[CraigD]

I wonder how the GA Tech team’s “nanogenerators” compare to piezoelectric generators for power output, size, durability, etc? According to this DARPA document, the “walking powered generator in your boot” idea was popular at least as far back as 2000, using, I suspect, some material designed to flex fairly large ( m) piezoelectric crystals. Piezoelectric crystals are a very mature technology, having effectively dominated the consumer music market in the form of phonograph cartridges from about 1920 until the popular demise of vinyl records in the late 1980s.

My guess is that these new materials may prove more versatile than older piezoelectric ones, but I’m just guessing. Given how long similar technologies have been talked about, but not come to market, I’m a bit skeptical.