I tried this experiment myself. Neat thing. However I'd like to correct some errors, shown in this video. Upon pressing together the two layers, paper and tape should be coming into contact - rather than paper and the aluminum foil. That is because paper and the foil are both positive, and barely any charge is transferred when you press & separate them. On the other hand, clear packing/office tape, is negative. So to make the experiment work, at the final steps when the device is assembled, you must cover the aluminum layer (the one coming into contact with the paper layer, when pressed) with tape. It also seems that you got to press hard on the device, so there is significant contact between the tape and paper. Rubbing the two layers together beforehand, also helps to produce a really bright flash on the LED, because charge accumulates on the two dielectrics. Have fun building.
I think that I have heard of Triboelectric devices have been known about for a number of decades now. I recall from when I first went to University hearing about these techniques in Freshman Chemistry and then in Physics.
Great video! I was wondering whether the gauge of the wire matters for this experiment since the voltage is very low. I don't know much about electronics, so sorry if this is a dumb question
@@CaptApril123 Correct, but will only be a factor in something with a much higher current output. 30 gauge wire would be plenty fine for these, unless we hooked up a boatload in parallel.
With the seedback/thermoelectric effect a current gets generated when there is a temperature difference, the problem is the voltage is very low and the current high. With the triboelectric effect with two disimilar materials a charge gets separated but the current is low and voltage relatively high. Now combine the two smartly and you could get a good thermoelectric generator.
Hello, yes, there are designs for triboelectric nanogenerators that can harvest the energy of water drops! One such example: www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-10232-x
This is so fascinating thank you for sharing it. I was wondering if you have looked into harnessing the energy given off from drying clothes? The flooring idea is also a great one. How many people wear socks while walking on carpet but then the issue would be harnessing the charge through the plastic fibers in the floor. I was wondering if you have put any thought into weaving carpet with wiring to nab the charge as you walk?
If you're going to use the Twist-Tie wire, be sure to burn it, carefully, with a Bic and wipe it down. Not all glues are conductive. 😜 Also, these look like they could be easily stacked, up to a few layers, at least.
I am really struggling to make this, can anyone offer some guidance? Does the wire have to be copper or can other metals be used? New to this...just trying to learn :)
Interesting thank you. Have you attempted to stack multiple generators in parallel for more current? There may be a timing issue. Maybe use three. But it should make your led brighter. Just a thought.
Hi Scott, I've experimented with connecting a few together and it can make the lights brighter. Scientists and engineers who can make these features on the nanoscale are able to stack hundreds to thousands of similar nanogenerators to produce much more current. Neat stuff!
@@WisconsinMrsec Fascinating stuff. I envisioned the possibility long ago in another manner. I was puzzled by how to regulate and store it however, which makes it more useful of course. Thanks for the reply. Good luck and I'll be looking for more updates from you.
Hi Amal, the most common memory metal is called NiTinol and is an even ratio of Nickel and Titanium. Memory metals undergo a "phase transition" between two solid states, with one of the states having a shape associated with it. You can learn more about it in this video of ours: ua-cam.com/video/cAgzzm6C94o/v-deo.html
By my understanding of it, the paper-tape contact is what's important, and the foil is just a collector. I'm unsure, however, if these devices produce AC or DC. And now I am, thank you, Google. "During frictional sliding, triboelectric charges are generated on the surfaces between the two dielectrics, causing a potential difference between the two electrodes. At this time, the potential difference periodically changes according to the effective contact area, and this process also generates AC power." So, either we need to perfectly synchronize each TENG and its output, ("HA ha!"), or rectify each and every one. We're going to lose a little power for each rectifier, due to the diodes cut-in voltage, but, oh well. Once rectified, we can wire them together in series to increase the voltage, or parallel, or a combination of both.
Hi Rixtronix LAB, I've measured several Volts before, but it can be hard to see the peak to peak voltage on a voltmeter. The current will be pretty low (microamps), but you should be able to get enough voltage to blink a clear green LED (the bulb is clear but the light is green).
@@RixtronixLAB For these, the material should be more important than the thickness of the paper. Since I can't see your set up, I recommend building a few with different types of paper to see what works best.
what happens when we connect a high voltage AC (audio) connection to it, will it work as a speaker. or is it a one way thing. here as a high voltage AC signal I am referring to something like a small could based transformer to step up the signal from a low voltage to a high one. if the technology get's developed well then eventually we might see a point where energy is used as a payment, so where humans are small powergenerators and that energy is used instead. this can be seen in the following: such a floor causes the walker in most cases to use more energy, this can be seen like walking on beds or in snow or sand, due to the user sinking away it uses more energy, eventually companies might decide to use many such layers over each other to greatly increase the power generation, after that point the generation itself might be proffitable/valuable enough to serve as a payment. more early on such types of usage might be used in places like a sport gym as a device to make workout more heavy(told to the user), and to generate power(told to the owner). it is something a little in a grey area, since popular movies about dystopian situations also featured humans/animals as energy generators, and if it is done wrong out of someones delusional desire of getting rich or influential then it might be bad in that case. however from the other side it is a much greater way of energy generation, it will be great at keeping humans in shape and so greatly reduce the total stress on the earth as well on health care. no longer needing money makes people much more equal. but it only works well if there is a great open heath care and social security system since otherwise handicaped people will be in trouble, this is why it won't turn out properly if it is realized in a capitalistic approach, and instead only works well if it is done in a more open way similar like open source and such. as one last point which can be a serious disadvantage: it shouldn't be used on a to large scale, this is due to the high voltage and magnetic field/radio generation, but even more so it's ability to shield against it(faraday cage), most animals and plants rely on natural magnetic lines and radiosignals, and even voltage levels in the air to survive properly for things like navigation, weather prediction, problem recognition, and even their brain activity often can misbehave if things are off, so cities should be kept as compact as possible, and it only should be used on points where it won't hurt to much, so city centers likely also have to move since historically churches and such(old city centers) where build on locations where such lines, points, or charges occurred. this is why birds also often still fly over them, and by finding such a point in a remote area(for example a forest) you can also clearly see that the birds exactly follow those lines, even humans once did in the past, ancient sea maps where just ropes formed like a cobweb.
What is the reason the current is so low and is there a way to enhance it? If we scaled this model up would that increase the current? Thanks for any info you can provide
Hi SoKool, these devices are separating charges, but they aren't very efficient at it, so there isn't that much charge to flow (or in other words, low current). Choosing different materials that more easily separate charges can help (this is one area of research) along with increasing the surface-to-volume ratio of the materials coming into contact, like with nanotechnology (another area of research). We could also connect many devices together, like if we used these in the flooring of an airport for example. Hope that helps!
Hallow, I discovered the novel phenomenon to generate the DC electricity from the frictional force. I have built a small prototype, by saying this phenomenon which is quite different from the TRIBOELECTRIC effect. Can I get the support to advance my inventions?
Hi Thomas, I may be misunderstanding, but the triboelectric effect can be seen when two materials rub against each other, even when they just touch. So, it sounds like you are describing triboelectric nanogenerators. Also, we cannot offer support to you and your inventions. Thanks for watching our content!
@@WisconsinMrsec The phenomenon which I discovered converts the frictional force to a direct current(DC) electricity, but the TRIBOELECTRIC effect generates AC electricity. So it is really different from the TRIBOELECTRIC effect.
Hi Surjatapa, what kind of LED are you using? We find the current is low so brightness is low and not all LEDs are easy to see. We recommend testing your nanogenerator somewhere dark, looking straight down at the LED, using an LED like one of these: www.microtivity.com/p/IL432/5mm-clear-green-led-w-resistors-pack-of-100
I tried this experiment myself. Neat thing. However I'd like to correct some errors, shown in this video. Upon pressing together the two layers, paper and tape should be coming into contact - rather than paper and the aluminum foil. That is because paper and the foil are both positive, and barely any charge is transferred when you press & separate them. On the other hand, clear packing/office tape, is negative. So to make the experiment work, at the final steps when the device is assembled, you must cover the aluminum layer (the one coming into contact with the paper layer, when pressed) with tape.
It also seems that you got to press hard on the device, so there is significant contact between the tape and paper. Rubbing the two layers together beforehand, also helps to produce a really bright flash on the LED, because charge accumulates on the two dielectrics.
Have fun building.
Does that really work? Since i have some troubles, your comment saves the situation
I think that I have heard of Triboelectric devices have been known about for a number of decades now. I recall from when I first went to University hearing about these techniques in Freshman Chemistry and then in Physics.
Great video! I was wondering whether the gauge of the wire matters for this experiment since the voltage is very low. I don't know much about electronics, so sorry if this is a dumb question
No such thing as a dumb question. My guess is the higher the gauge the more resistance, lowering the voltage.
@@CaptApril123 Correct, but will only be a factor in something with a much higher current output.
30 gauge wire would be plenty fine for these, unless we hooked up a boatload in parallel.
With the seedback/thermoelectric effect a current gets generated when there is a temperature difference, the problem is the voltage is very low and the current high. With the triboelectric effect with two disimilar materials a charge gets separated but the current is low and voltage relatively high. Now combine the two smartly and you could get a good thermoelectric generator.
Hmm good channel. Been searching electric gen uses for cheap kitchen foil. Just for amusement. This is interesting
well, that was fun, thanks mate!
Curious could it be water proofed and used for water drop harnessing?
Hello, yes, there are designs for triboelectric nanogenerators that can harvest the energy of water drops! One such example: www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-10232-x
A better title for this video is “Tiny movements between paper and plastic create static electricity that lights an LED. “
helloo! is it okay if we'll use the positive and negative wires for this one?
nice, could be used as a sensor or microphone. seems quite much like a piezo electric element.
Hi TeD, yes, these are similar to piezoelectricity but exploit different physics. Lots of neat stuff out there!
This is so fascinating thank you for sharing it. I was wondering if you have looked into harnessing the energy given off from drying clothes? The flooring idea is also a great one. How many people wear socks while walking on carpet but then the issue would be harnessing the charge through the plastic fibers in the floor. I was wondering if you have put any thought into weaving carpet with wiring to nab the charge as you walk?
Hi John, these are great thoughts! There are people trying to make clothing and such with this sort of technology to power devices while you walk!
Ive imagined devices such as these in our roads and highways.
Can this idea be ysed to generate electricity from cars tyres
If you're going to use the Twist-Tie wire, be sure to burn it, carefully, with a Bic and wipe it down.
Not all glues are conductive. 😜
Also, these look like they could be easily stacked, up to a few layers, at least.
I am really struggling to make this, can anyone offer some guidance? Does the wire have to be copper or can other metals be used? New to this...just trying to learn :)
Anyone try a joule thief with this?
I think Luke has, over at Thinking and Tinkering, or his Partner in Crime, Robert Murray-Smith, channel of his own name..
Interesting thank you. Have you attempted to stack multiple generators in parallel for more current? There may be a timing issue. Maybe use three. But it should make your led brighter. Just a thought.
Hi Scott, I've experimented with connecting a few together and it can make the lights brighter. Scientists and engineers who can make these features on the nanoscale are able to stack hundreds to thousands of similar nanogenerators to produce much more current. Neat stuff!
@@WisconsinMrsec Fascinating stuff. I envisioned the possibility long ago in another manner. I was puzzled by how to regulate and store it however, which makes it more useful of course. Thanks for the reply. Good luck and I'll be looking for more updates from you.
Can you explain about memory metal. Is that metal from other world. Please give me a information
Hi Amal, the most common memory metal is called NiTinol and is an even ratio of Nickel and Titanium. Memory metals undergo a "phase transition" between two solid states, with one of the states having a shape associated with it. You can learn more about it in this video of ours: ua-cam.com/video/cAgzzm6C94o/v-deo.html
Hi! how do u make the voltage higher? can i stack multiple foils and paper together at the same place or it should be(paper foil paper foil paper)?
By my understanding of it, the paper-tape contact is what's important, and the foil is just a collector.
I'm unsure, however, if these devices produce AC or DC. And now I am, thank you, Google.
"During frictional sliding, triboelectric charges are generated on the surfaces between the two dielectrics, causing a potential difference between the two electrodes. At this time, the potential difference periodically changes according to the effective contact area, and this process also generates AC power."
So, either we need to perfectly synchronize each TENG and its output, ("HA ha!"), or rectify each and every one. We're going to lose a little power for each rectifier, due to the diodes cut-in voltage, but, oh well.
Once rectified, we can wire them together in series to increase the voltage, or parallel, or a combination of both.
May I ask, did you try this experiment?
@@shenz1748 Me? No, I haven't.
Shiny side up or down?
I got 10mV on my Voltmeter, is it right ? thanks
Hi Rixtronix LAB, I've measured several Volts before, but it can be hard to see the peak to peak voltage on a voltmeter. The current will be pretty low (microamps), but you should be able to get enough voltage to blink a clear green LED (the bulb is clear but the light is green).
@@WisconsinMrsec I used a brown 2mm thick card board, is it too thick ?
@@RixtronixLAB For these, the material should be more important than the thickness of the paper. Since I can't see your set up, I recommend building a few with different types of paper to see what works best.
@@WisconsinMrsec Ok, I will take picture and posted, thanks
@@WisconsinMrsec I did it and I couldnt get it to work... im thinking maybe ghosts in my house are killing the electricity...
Awesome vid thank you!
what happens when we connect a high voltage AC (audio) connection to it, will it work as a speaker. or is it a one way thing. here as a high voltage AC signal I am referring to something like a small could based transformer to step up the signal from a low voltage to a high one.
if the technology get's developed well then eventually we might see a point where energy is used as a payment, so where humans are small powergenerators and that energy is used instead. this can be seen in the following: such a floor causes the walker in most cases to use more energy, this can be seen like walking on beds or in snow or sand, due to the user sinking away it uses more energy, eventually companies might decide to use many such layers over each other to greatly increase the power generation, after that point the generation itself might be proffitable/valuable enough to serve as a payment. more early on such types of usage might be used in places like a sport gym as a device to make workout more heavy(told to the user), and to generate power(told to the owner).
it is something a little in a grey area, since popular movies about dystopian situations also featured humans/animals as energy generators, and if it is done wrong out of someones delusional desire of getting rich or influential then it might be bad in that case. however from the other side it is a much greater way of energy generation, it will be great at keeping humans in shape and so greatly reduce the total stress on the earth as well on health care. no longer needing money makes people much more equal.
but it only works well if there is a great open heath care and social security system since otherwise handicaped people will be in trouble, this is why it won't turn out properly if it is realized in a capitalistic approach, and instead only works well if it is done in a more open way similar like open source and such. as one last point which can be a serious disadvantage: it shouldn't be used on a to large scale, this is due to the high voltage and magnetic field/radio generation, but even more so it's ability to shield against it(faraday cage), most animals and plants rely on natural magnetic lines and radiosignals, and even voltage levels in the air to survive properly for things like navigation, weather prediction, problem recognition, and even their brain activity often can misbehave if things are off, so cities should be kept as compact as possible, and it only should be used on points where it won't hurt to much, so city centers likely also have to move since historically churches and such(old city centers) where build on locations where such lines, points, or charges occurred. this is why birds also often still fly over them, and by finding such a point in a remote area(for example a forest) you can also clearly see that the birds exactly follow those lines, even humans once did in the past, ancient sea maps where just ropes formed like a cobweb.
What is the reason the current is so low and is there a way to enhance it? If we scaled this model up would that increase the current?
Thanks for any info you can provide
Hi SoKool, these devices are separating charges, but they aren't very efficient at it, so there isn't that much charge to flow (or in other words, low current). Choosing different materials that more easily separate charges can help (this is one area of research) along with increasing the surface-to-volume ratio of the materials coming into contact, like with nanotechnology (another area of research). We could also connect many devices together, like if we used these in the flooring of an airport for example. Hope that helps!
@@WisconsinMrsec That’s a great explanation. Thank you very much.
did you try this experiment?
Hallow, I discovered the novel phenomenon to generate the DC electricity from the frictional force. I have built a small prototype, by saying this phenomenon which is quite different from the TRIBOELECTRIC effect. Can I get the support to advance my inventions?
Hi Thomas, I may be misunderstanding, but the triboelectric effect can be seen when two materials rub against each other, even when they just touch. So, it sounds like you are describing triboelectric nanogenerators. Also, we cannot offer support to you and your inventions. Thanks for watching our content!
@@WisconsinMrsec The phenomenon which I discovered converts the frictional force to a direct current(DC) electricity, but the TRIBOELECTRIC effect generates AC electricity. So it is really different from the TRIBOELECTRIC effect.
Hello! What LED bulb should be used for this experiment?
All LEDs are diodes so any should work. I'm using cheap 3-5 volt diodes from Amazon. Let me know if this helps.
Are there any alternatives to the aluminum foil?
Hi Apiwat, we used aluminum foil because it is conductive and inexpensive. We have built these with copper and nickel foils as well.
Cool @8:00, inspirating :)
it s old and fun , but no nano ..
nano simply means 'billionth of'.. the effect occurs at that scale so it kind of is 'nano'
9
😊😊
It didn't work!
Hi Surjatapa, what kind of LED are you using? We find the current is low so brightness is low and not all LEDs are easy to see. We recommend testing your nanogenerator somewhere dark, looking straight down at the LED, using an LED like one of these: www.microtivity.com/p/IL432/5mm-clear-green-led-w-resistors-pack-of-100