Scientists have created a plant that obtains energy from water and wind. The leaves turned out to be the key

Scientists are constantly looking for new ways to generate electricity without emitting any harmful substances into the atmosphere. and the researchers’ experiment

American scientists have created a small plant-shaped power plant

Now scientists from Northeastern University in Boston (Massachusetts, USA) have a plant that can generate electricity. These are miniature energy generators enclosed in the form of artificial potted flowers, which at first glance are indistinguishable from traditional home decorations. However, they are supposed to constantly generate electricity from wind and water.

The magic of the solution is hidden in the waterproof leaves of the artificial plant, covered with a material that easily conducts electricity. As researchers explain, a network of small electrodes can be embedded inside them, generating a small current in contact with water that can be used. The authors of the paper point out that the longer raindrops flow down the leaves, the more energy can be obtained this way.

– This is actually one of the reasons why researchers built their energy generator in the shape of a leaf – said Prof. Ravinder Dahiya, member of the research team. Additionally, to prevent the drops from “melting” as they slide down the leaves, the material has been covered with a hydrophobic coating. Scientists point out, however, that basing energy sources only on contact with water would limit the plant’s use only to rainy periods, and this would severely limit the practical use of such miniature power plants.

The artificial leaves were also equipped with generators used to generate electricity from the kinetic energy of the wind. They contain nylon nanofibers placed between layers of Teflon and copper electrodes. When the blowing wind presses on the leaves, these layers are pressed together, generating small electrostatic charges that are converted into electricity.

What can power an artificial flower? The experiment brought great results

Scientists exposed the artificial leaves produced in this way to conditions occurring during a typical rainy day. The current generated by one leaf tested was able to generate a series of short flashes of light from 10 LEDs simultaneously. However, researchers argue that 20 such leaves connected to a capacitor will enable continuous powering of as many as 200 such diodes. A few potted flowers placed in the garden are intended to illuminate, for example, a home terrace.

Researchers also hope that in the future such technology can be implemented on the leaves of real plants, e.g. trees. Placing a significant number of such generators in places where there is a constant air flow (e.g. on beaches or along roads) could allow for an almost continuous supply of energy for, for example, lighting in these places – explains Dahiya.