Scientists have invented an innovative device that creates an electric charge from the air

Binghamton University researchers have created an innovative paper device capable of converting moisture from the air on electricity. The new technology can become an efficient power source for low-power portable electronic devices, informs Interesting Engineering.

The device uses bacterial spores to decompose water vapor into ions  — it creates an electric charge due to the difference in ion concentrations. A special layer of “Janus paper” helps keep moisture inside for further processing.

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According to the words of Professor Seokhun Choi, such "paperotronic" the technology is environmentally friendly, as the device can be easily disposed of. The researchers plan to reduce the size of the device to the scale of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), which will increase its energy density and expand the scope of applications.

The next steps will be to increase the power of the device , development of energy storage methods and integration with other energy harvesting technologies. The latest e-development is part of the general direction of creating flexible, light and environmentally friendly paper electronic devices.