Scientists Turn Diaper Waste Into Self-Sufficient Weather Station Using Triboelectric Nanogenerators

August 14, 2024

(Nanowerk News) Scientists from Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore – Mr Sayyid Abdul Basith, Dr Arunkumar Chandrasekhar and Dr George Jacob – have developed a self-powered weather station using recycled diaper waste in collaboration with Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology (CIPET), Chennai and University of Glasgow, UK. Based on triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) technology, the weather monitoring system works without the need for batteries, using wind energy.

Their research, published in iScience (“Recycling Diaper Waste to Weather Station Based on Triboelectric Nanogenerator”) is a novel solution for energy harvesting and environmental monitoring. The TENG system uses superabsorbent polymer (SAP) gels from discarded diapers and recycled baking sheets to generate energy from wind and power sensors to measure wind speed, temperature and humidity. Self-sustaining weather station using a diaper waste-based triboelectric nanogenerator, made from SAP gel from recycled diapers and baking trays, to harvest wind energy and monitor wind speed, humidity, and temperature (Image: Reproduced from DOI:10.1016/j.isci.2024.110627; CC BY 4.0)

The heart of this energy harvesting device is the interaction between dried SAP powders and recycled baking trays. The system efficiently converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by utilizing the principles of triboelectrification and electrostatic induction. When the TENG is shaken or exposed to wind, the SAP powders periodically contact the surface of the baking trays, initiating contact electrification and generating a sinusoidal AC current through the external circuit between the electrodes.

With the increasing global demand for renewable energy and efficient waste management solutions, this research represents a key advance in both areas. Diaper waste, which is usually a major environmental hazard, is reused as a valuable energy source with this innovative TENG-based system. The use of SAP gels and recycled baking trays as triboelectric materials demonstrates the potential of recycling non-biodegradable waste into energy-generating technologies.

This self-powered weather station, which operates without external batteries, provides an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional devices. The project illustrates the feasibility of reusing waste for advanced applications and contributes to the development of nanotechnology and sustainable energy.

The researchers believe that this innovation has great potential for real-world implementation in areas where waste disposal challenges exist and efficient energy solutions are needed. By combining recycled materials with nanotechnology, this work presents a scalable and effective method for solving environmental and energy problems.

The technology has been patented in India, underlining its importance in the field of waste-to-energy and renewable technologies.