💦 Humidity Turns Wallpaper into Power

Researchers at Binghamton University built a full-size sheet with 1,596 connected cells. At 80% humidity, it produced about 0.34 V at 2.2 μW/cm², enough to run a wireless keyboard without batteries.

The sheet uses tiny moisture-electric generators. Glycerin absorbs water at the edges, while a raised polymer layer and wax pattern control evaporation and move moisture through the material. No sunlight is needed.

At indoor humidity of 30% to 60%, it could power smart thermostats or climate sensors. Testing also reduced humidity from 38% to 32%, but its microwatt output rules out appliances such as refrigerators.

📊@tech