UCLA researchers have just designed an inexpensive, first-of-its-kind device that is capable of generating electricity from snowfall. The device, called a snow-based triboelectric nanogenerator or snow TENG by the researchers, is small, thin and flexible like a sheet of plastic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The snow TENG generates charge through static electricity and produces energy from the exchange of electrons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cStatic electricity occurs from the interaction of one material that captures electrons and another that gives up electrons,\u201d said Kaner, who is also a distinguished professor of chemistry and biochemistry, and of materials science and engineering at UCLA. \u201cYou separate the charges and create electricity out of essentially nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Snow is positively charged and gives up electrons. Silicone \u2013 a synthetic rubber-like material that is composed of silicon atoms and oxygen atoms, combined with carbon, hydrogen and other elements \u2013 is negatively charged. When falling snow contacts the surface of silicone, that produces a charge that the device captures, creating electricity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n