This energy harvesting device can generate energy from sweaty fingertips

Human body is an energy  powerhouse. It can produce 100 watts of energy at the rest position. Humans can produce 2000 watts of energy, while sweating on a sprint. To maximize the benefits of human energy production researchers have designed an energy harvester that can generate energy from sweaty fingertips. 

 

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Device can produce 300 millijoules of energy per square centimeter. Amount of energy produced from the device is enough for the functioning of small electronic devices. Fingertips are the sweat producing centre with maximum sweat glands in the body. 

 

Energy harvester uses a biofuel cell (BFC) for energy production. Biofuel cell will be attached to the electrodes. Electrodes will be connected to the fingertips. BFC will be powered by the lactate. Lactate is found in sweat . Lactate will be absorbed through a carbon nanotube material and hydrogel. 

 

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Post sweat absorption BFC will encounter electrochemical reactions. Cells inside the device are composed of a bioenzyme which oxidizes lactate. Small amount of platinum will be deposited in the cathode. Accumulated cathode will catalyze a reduction reaction for conversion of oxygen into water. 

 

Combined electrons will pass through BFC, to create electrical current. No additional energy is required in this energy generation  process. 20% additional energy can be harvested through this device. 

 

According to NEWS MEDICAL LIFE SCIENCES Lu Yin describes; "The size of the device is about 1 centimeter squared. Its material is flexible as well, so you don't need to worry about it being too rigid or feeling weird. You can comfortably wear it for an extended period of time,"