Otis Singleton
Nanocrystal electricity is a technology that uses tiny crystals to generate electric currents via the piezoelectric effect. While it has been touted as a potential source of wireless power transfer, the term nanocrystal electricity has been criticised as a misleading hype used by investors to attract those looking to invest in disruptive green technology. However, several companies are still actively working on developing this technology and scaling it up for widespread use. These include Energous, which has developed the WattUp power solution, and Nanoco Group, which is known for developing and licensing cadmium-free quantum dots or nanocrystals. Other companies such as LG Chem are also showing interest in researching and developing the technology for use in their products.
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What You'll Learn
Nanocrystal electricity is a wireless power transfer technology
Nanocrystal electricity refers to the generation of electric currents via the piezoelectric effect, which occurs when mechanical pressure is applied to extremely small (nano) crystals. These crystals, with a dimension smaller than 100 nanometers, act as a circuit to transmit radio waves wirelessly, which can then be converted into electricity by electronic devices with in-built receivers. This technology would allow for a universal power supply, powering devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops without the need for chargers or power outlets.
While the concept of nanocrystal electricity is exciting, it is important to note that there has been some skepticism and controversy surrounding it. In the 2010s, investors heavily promoted the idea, claiming it could power the grid, homes, and recharge devices wirelessly. However, this was largely seen as a scam to attract investors looking for "disruptive" green technology. The current state of nanocrystal electricity research does not align with these claims, and true wireless power transfer technology (WPT) does not involve nanocrystals.
Despite this, several companies are actively working on developing wireless power transfer technology and scaling it for widespread use. Energous, for example, has developed the WattUp Mid Field transmitter, which can deliver power via radio frequency energy to WattUp-enabled devices at a distance of up to three feet. This technology can provide both contact-based and non-contact-based wireless charging and can charge multiple devices simultaneously.
Other companies, such as Nanoco, AAC Technology, and LG Chem, are also exploring the potential of nanocrystals in various applications, including solar cells, lighting, medical imaging, and sensory experience solutions. Nanocrystal technology is expected to have a significant impact on the efficiency and performance of products in these fields, leading to impressive potential growth for these companies.
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Nanocrystal electricity is generated via the piezoelectric effect
Nanocrystal electricity is a term used to describe the generation of electric currents via the piezoelectric effect. This effect is produced by applying mechanical stress or strain to certain materials, such as crystals, ceramics, and biological matter. The piezoelectric effect was first discovered in 1880 by French physicists Jacques and Pierre Curie, who demonstrated the effect using various crystals and materials.
The piezoelectric effect occurs when certain materials with an asymmetric crystal structure are subjected to mechanical deformation or stress, resulting in the generation of electric charges or voltage across the material. This effect can be observed in both synthetic and natural materials, such as gallium orthophosphate, lead titanate, lithium niobate, and α-quartz. It is a reversible process, meaning that when the external force is removed, the electric potential disappears.
The piezoelectric effect has been utilized in various applications, including microphones, pressure sensors, speakers, and buzzers. It is also used in energy harvesting, such as converting human movements or industrial vibrations into electricity. Additionally, the piezoelectric effect plays a role in power generation, with potential applications in sustainable energy technologies.
Nanocrystal electricity has gained attention from companies such as Energous, which has developed wireless charging technology for electronic devices. Other companies, including AAC Technology, LG Chem, and SunPower Corporation, have also shown interest in nanocrystal electricity and its potential applications in their respective fields.
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Nanocrystal electricity has medical applications, such as drug delivery
Nanocrystal electricity is a revolutionary technology with promising applications in various industries, including the medical field. While companies like Energous (WATT) and Tesla are exploring nanocrystal electricity for wireless charging and electronic vehicles, respectively, nanocrystals also have significant medical applications, particularly in drug delivery.
Nanocrystals are pure drug crystals with sizes in the nanometer range. They offer several advantages, including high drug loading, platform stability, and ease of scaling-up, making them ideal for delivering poorly water-soluble drugs. By altering the physical properties of drugs, nanocrystals enhance dissolution rates and improve water solubility, thereby increasing drug bioavailability and treatment effectiveness. This is particularly beneficial for drugs with low melting points, as it simplifies the drying process and reduces the need for expensive techniques.
Nanocrystal technology can be employed to target specific pathogenic sites within the body. For instance, nanocrystals can be designed to accumulate at sites of disease, such as inflammation and cancer sites, through the use of stimuli-responsive polymers. Additionally, functionalized ligands enhance the potential for targeted delivery, enabling precision medicine. This is exemplified in cancer treatments, where ligands attached to nanocrystals can specifically target and deliver drugs to malignant cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis, minimizing accumulation in non-specific areas.
Furthermore, nanocrystals can be combined with pharmaceutical carriers such as creams, gels, solutions, or tablets to form prescription drugs. Nucryst Pharmaceuticals, for instance, has developed silver nanoparticles with antimicrobial properties that can be used in medical coatings. They are also working on a cream formulation containing silver nanocrystals to treat atopic dermatitis.
While nanocrystal technology offers promising medical applications, particularly in drug delivery, it is important to note that further research is needed to fully understand the in vitro cellular uptake and in vivo fate of nanocrystals. Nonetheless, the potential of nanocrystals in medicine is undeniable, and with ongoing advancements, we can expect to see more innovative formulations and improved treatment options in the future.
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Nanocrystal electricity can be used in solar cells
Nanocrystal electricity is an emerging technology with promising applications in solar cells, and several companies are already investing in its development. Nanocrystal solar cells are based on a substrate coated with nanocrystals, typically made of silicon, CdTe, or CIGS, with quantum dot solar cells being a variant that utilises quantum mechanical effects to enhance performance.
The concept of nanocrystal electricity was originally proven by Nikolas Tesla in the early 1900s, but it has only recently gained traction. Nanocrystals have excellent optical properties, and their size can be manipulated to absorb a larger fraction of the solar light spectrum compared to traditional silicon solar cells. This results in higher efficiency in converting sunlight into electricity, with research indicating that nanocrystal solar cells could achieve up to 65% efficiency compared to 20-25% for first-generation crystalline silicon photovoltaics.
The development of nanocrystal-based solar cells comes with its own set of challenges. According to Professor Vanessa Wood of ETH Zurich, the electron flow in these cells is not yet optimal for commercial applications due to the complex material system. However, Wood and her colleagues have made significant progress by developing a generally applicable physical model that explains the impact of changing nanocrystal size, material, or binder molecules on electron transport. This model will enable researchers to enhance solar cell efficiency and better understand the underlying physical processes.
Several companies are actively involved in the development and utilisation of nanocrystal electricity. SunPower Corporation, for instance, is expected to benefit from incorporating nanocrystals into its solar cell structure, leading to improved efficiency and performance in its energy storage systems. Additionally, companies like LG Chem and AAC Technology, a leading supplier of batteries and lighting products, have shown a keen interest in researching and developing nanocrystal electricity.
Nanocrystal electricity holds great potential for the future of solar cells, offering advantages such as flexibility, lower costs, and clean power generation. With continued research and development, companies can unlock the full potential of this technology, leading to more efficient and cost-effective solar solutions.
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Nanocrystal electricity can be used in lighting
Nanocrystal electricity is a technology that has been gaining traction, with several companies exploring its applications. One of the key companies associated with nanocrystal electricity is Energous (WATT), a wireless charging startup that showcased its "over-the-air" charging system, WattUp, which can deliver power via radio frequency (RF) energy to WattUp-enabled devices at a distance of up to three feet.
While Energous has faced criticism for overpromising on its development timeline, the underlying technology and consumer interest are very real. Nanocrystal electricity has the potential to revolutionize various industries, and one of its applications is in lighting.
Nanocrystals have been found to emit light by efficiently "tunneling" electrons. Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have made significant progress in this area. They have developed a nanosized device made of silver crystals that can generate light by tunneling electrons through a tiny barrier. This process, known as inelastic electron tunneling, involves electrons moving through a solid barrier, resulting in the creation of photons or phonons. While the efficiency of light emission is typically low, the UC San Diego team has increased it to approximately two percent, marking a step forward in creating a new type of light source.
Nanocrystals can be used in lighting applications such as high-performing LEDs. Additionally, they can enhance the efficiency of solar cells, which have the potential to power LED lighting products. Companies like SunPower Corporation, which manufactures LED lighting products and solar panels, stand to benefit from incorporating nanocrystals into their products.
Nanocrystal electricity also has implications for the Electronic Vehicle (EV) sector. Tesla, the world's leading EV company, has affiliations with nanocrystal electricity, and its flagship electronic vehicle is expected to benefit from nanocrystal development.
In summary, nanocrystal electricity has the potential to revolutionize lighting and energy generation and storage technologies. While the technology is still emerging, companies like Energous, SunPower Corporation, and Tesla are actively exploring its applications, and researchers are working to enhance the efficiency of nanocrystal light emission.
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Frequently asked questions
Nanocrystal electricity refers to tiny crystals generating electric currents via the piezoelectric effect. There are two ways this effect can occur: direct and inverse.
Nanoco, a company that develops, licenses, and popularises cadmium-free quantum dots, is one of the companies working on nanocrystal electricity.
Tesla, Energous, and SunPower Corporation are also affiliated with nanocrystal electricity.
Mechanical pressure on extremely small (nano) crystals creates an electric current. This is known as the direct piezoelectric effect. When voltage is applied to a piezoelectric crystal, it expands or shrinks, and this is known as the inverse piezoelectric effect.
Nanocrystal electricity has potential applications in solar cells, lighting, medical imaging, and wireless charging.
