Researchers have unveiled a new metasurface-based antenna that can harvest energy from radio waves. In a separate development, physicists also created a circuit to capture energy from graphene to create another battery-free power source. Both advancements could soon replace traditional battery tech with radio or graphene-powered sensors for low power devices by 2027.
The tests — For some time, researchers have tried to harvest energy from radio waves. As more devices provide radio frequencies across Bluetooth, cell networks, and wifi, there is now an excess of electromagnetic emissions to be collected. The new metamaterial antenna can harvest up to 100 microwatts of power from radio waves as far as 100 meters away. Meanwhile, physicists in Arkansas were able to create a circuit that could capture the thermal motion of graphene to convert into an electrical current. The current could provide low voltage power for small devices and sensors.
The future — These advancements could reduce costs and improve the efficiency of smart home sensors used in thermostats, motion-activated lights, or carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms. Both teams’ next step is to miniaturize their tech, either to pattern onto a silicon wafer or fit on a fire alarm. Both of these inventions mean that in the future, more devices currently powered by batteries or wires will likely be replaced by sensors. Fewer batteries will be created for minor devices, while devices with batteries will be rechargeable over the air. Everything from wearable devices, security cameras, and LED panels could soon be powered by your wifi or 5G connection.