Long Considered Impossible in Physics: Nonlinear Circuit Harvests Clean Power Using Graphene

For a considerable duration, a scientific conundrum that appeared insurmountable within the realm of physics has been overturned by a groundbreaking discovery. This revelation involves the utilization of graphene to extract energy from ambient heat, thereby challenging longstanding theories entrenched in physics. The practical implications of this breakthrough are notably promising, particularly within the sphere of wireless sensors.

The essence of this breakthrough is in stark contrast to established doctrines in physics, as it introduces an innovative avenue for harnessing energy from ambient heat through the employment of graphene. The crux of the matter lies in extracting useful work from the random fluctuations in a system that exists in thermal equilibrium. This phenomenon was conventionally deemed unattainable, with the eminent physicist Richard Feynman, a prominent figure in American physics, contributing to the cessation of exploration on this front during the 1960s. He expounded in a series of lectures that Brownian motion, the thermal movement of atoms, could not be exploited for practical work.

However, this new study, titled “Charging capacitors from thermal fluctuations using diodes,” and published in the esteemed journal Physical Review E, presents a paradigm shift. Within this study, a cohort of five authors, three of whom hail from the University of Arkansas Department of Physics, has firmly established that freestanding graphene’s thermal fluctuations can indeed generate practical work by charging storage capacitors. This assertion is substantiated through meticulous investigation, thereby refuting prior assumptions.

Empirical evidence substantiating this discovery has been amassed. Specifically, the researchers discerned that when storage capacitors commence with an initial charge of zero, the devised circuit derives power from the ambient heat to facilitate their charging. Intriguingly, the team also established that this system adheres to both the first and second laws of thermodynamics throughout the charging process. Furthermore, it was determined that larger storage capacitors yield greater stored charge, while a smaller graphene capacitance ensures a higher initial charging rate and an extended discharge time. These characteristics hold significance, as they enable the disconnection of storage capacitors from the energy harvesting circuit prior to the dissipation of net charge.

This latest publication represents a progressive step that builds upon the foundation laid by two antecedent studies. The first, published in 2016 in Physical Review Letters, delved into the “Anomalous Dynamical Behavior of Freestanding Graphene Membranes.” This initial investigation unveiled the unique vibrational properties of graphene and its potential for energy harvesting. Subsequently, a 2020 article in Physical Review E titled “Fluctuation-induced current from freestanding graphene” expounded on a circuit employing graphene capable of supplying clean and boundless power to diminutive devices or sensors.

This current study further advances these premises by formalizing the mathematical framework for designing a circuit proficient in extracting energy from the Earth’s heat and storing it within capacitors for subsequent usage.

Paul Thibado, the lead author and a figure instrumental in this research, elucidated, “Theoretically, this was what we set out to prove. There are well-known sources of energy, such as kinetic, solar, ambient radiation, acoustic, and thermal gradients. Now there is also nonlinear thermal power. Usually, people imagine that thermal power requires a temperature gradient. That is, of course, an important source of practical power, but what we found is a new source of power that has never existed before. And this new power does not require two different temperatures because it exists at a single temperature.”

The roster of co-authors encompasses Pradeep Kumar, John Neu, Surendra Singh, and Luis Bonilla. This collective of researchers, spanning various academic institutions, has culminated in a study that has resolved a decade-long quandary.

Graphene, discovered in 2004, presents a one-atom-thick layer of graphite. The researchers noted that freestanding graphene manifests a rippled structure, with each ripple oscillating in response to temperature fluctuations. This inherent flexibility serves as a foundation for the devised technology.

The current endeavor revolves around the creation of a Graphene Energy Harvester (GEH). This innovation is comprised of a negatively charged graphene sheet suspended between two metal electrodes. The movement of the graphene generates alternating current as it flips up and down, inducing charges in the respective electrodes. This current is then managed through diodes wired in opposition, enabling it to flow in both directions. Consequently, distinct paths are delineated through the circuit, generating a pulsating direct current capable of performing work on a load resistor.

NTS Innovations, a pioneering entity specializing in nanotechnology, exclusively holds the license to propel GEH into commercial fruition. The compact nature of GEH circuits, mere nanometers in size, renders them amenable to large-scale reproduction on silicon chips. Their incorporation in arrays on a chip permits enhanced power generation. Furthermore, these circuits can function across diverse environments, rendering them particularly advantageous for wireless sensors deployed in locales where battery replacement proves arduous or costly, such as subterranean pipeline systems or the interior conduits of aircraft cables.

Donald Meyer, the founder and CEO of NTS Innovations, commented on this pioneering endeavor: “Paul’s research reinforces our conviction that we are on the right path with Graphene Energy Harvesting. We appreciate our partnership with the University of Arkansas in bringing this technology to market.” Ryan McCoy, the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at NTS Innovations, affirmed that there exists a substantial demand within the electronics sector for reducing form factors and minimizing dependence on batteries and wired power. He posits that Graphene Energy Harvesting will exert a transformative influence on these fronts.

Paul Thibado reflected on the protracted journey that culminated in this groundbreaking feat, stating, “There was always this question out there: ‘If our graphene device is in a really quiet, really dark environment, would it harvest any energy or not?’ The conventional answer to that is no, as it apparently defies the laws of physics. But the physics had never been looked at carefully. I think people were afraid of the topic a bit because of Feynman. So, everybody just said, ‘I’m not touching that.’ But the question just kept demanding our attention. Honestly, its solution was only found through the perseverance and diverse approaches of our unique team.”

In conclusion, the study titled “Charging capacitors from thermal fluctuations using diodes” marks a transformative leap in the field of physics. By harnessing the energy potential latent in freestanding graphene’s thermal fluctuations, this research challenges entrenched notions and presents a novel source of power generation. The implications of this discovery, particularly its applicability to wireless sensors and portable devices, hold immense promise for advancing technological landscapes.

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More about Graphene Energy Harvesting

• Physics Breakthrough: Graphene Energy Harvesting
• Graphene-based Energy Harvesting Study
• Freestanding Graphene Vibrational Properties
• Fluctuation-induced Current from Graphene
• NTS Innovations – Graphene Energy Harvesting
• University of Arkansas Department of Physics