In an amazing research development, scientists at the Michigan State University, have created a transducer that is paper thin.
From the Michigan State University website posted by Andy Henlon, MSU associate professor Nelson Sepulveda states:
“This is the first transducer that is ultrathin, flexible, scalable and bidirectional, meaning it can convert mechanical energy to electrical energy and electrical energy to mechanical energy.”
This team created the FENG, the Ferroelectret Nanogenerator, and this research extends that development so that the energy conversion can be bi-directional, thus increasing its functionality.
In a really impressive video, they show how they converted a Michigan State University green and white Spartan flag into a speaker.
Fascinating work. A great way to show your students some cutting edge research that has huge societal implications.
Questions for Discussions
- What is FENG?
- Describe the difference between mechanical energy and electrical energy.
- What was the process by which they created the device?
- How are the ions added to each layer?
- What uses can your class brainstorm for this technology?
- Are there any negative implications they can imagine?
Wide Open Research 