Umair Gaines
Nanocrystal electricity is a wireless technology that uses mechanical pressure on extremely small crystals to generate electric currents via the piezoelectric effect. Several companies are working on developing this technology, including Energous, Ossia, and Ballard Power Systems. Energous, a startup tech company, was once cited as spearheading nanocrystal electricity with its wireless charging technology, although the company has since refuted this. Ossia, a wireless tech company, uses radio frequency waves to power devices at a distance through its flagship product, Cota. Ballard Power Systems, a company dedicated to fuel cells production, has independently evaluated the performance of nanocatalysts that transform impure hydrogen into electricity. The nanocrystal technology developed by these companies has a wide range of applications, from consumer electronics to automotive engineering.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Company | Energous (WATT) |
| Technology | Nanocrystal Electricity, Wireless Charging |
| Partners | Dialog Semiconductor |
| Investment | $25 million |
| FCC Certification | Yes |
| Patents | 150+ |
| Nanocrystal Application | Wireless Power Transfer, Solar Power, Hydrogen Fuel Cells |
| Nanocrystal Type | Ruthenium, Platinum |
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What You'll Learn
Nanocrystal electricity is a buzzword for investors
In the late 2010s, nanocrystal electricity became a buzzword for investors, who promoted it as the next big thing in green technology. The promise of huge returns and a revolutionary technology to back it up was enticing. However, it seems that the buzz around nanocrystal electricity was just that - a buzz.
The term "nanocrystal electricity" was coined in relation to wireless power transfer (WPT) and wireless charging technologies. Investors, eager to profit from the idea of wireless electricity, rallied behind so-called nanocrystal electricity companies, like Energous, a startup tech company that was cited in several articles and newsletters as leading the way in nanocrystal electricity. The hype was such that some predicted returns of up to 78 times the initial investment.
However, despite the existence of scientific research on nanocrystals, the technology has little to do with electricity grids, powering homes, or recharging devices wirelessly, as investors claimed. In fact, Energous's FCC filings made no mention of "nanocrystal" technology at all. Nanocrystal research falls within the medical field, particularly in drug delivery applications.
While the technology behind nanocrystal electricity may be legitimate, the hype and excitement generated by investors and newsletters seem to be overblown. This is not to say that wireless charging technologies are not exciting or desirable—consumers have shown a clear interest in being able to charge their devices without plugs or wires. However, investors should be cautious and do their due diligence before investing in companies based solely on hype and grandiose promises.
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Nanocrystal electricity is a wireless power transfer
Nanocrystal electricity is an enticing tech stock buzzword that investors initially avoided, suspecting it was a scam. However, it is a legitimate technology with real-world applications. Nanocrystal electricity refers to tiny crystals generating electric currents via the piezoelectric effect. This effect can occur in two ways: direct and inverse. In the direct piezoelectric effect, mechanical pressure is applied to extremely small (nano) crystals to create an electric current. Microphones and pressure sensors function due to this effect. The inverse piezoelectric effect occurs when voltage is applied to a piezoelectric crystal, causing it to expand or shrink.
Nanocrystal electricity has been described as a disruptive technology with great money-making potential. The startup tech company, Energous, was once cited as spearheading this technology. However, Energous has since denied that nanocrystal electricity was ever part of their plans as a wireless power company. Another company, Ossia (formerly Omnilectric), uses radio frequency waves to power devices at a distance through its product called Cota. Cota technology is used in consumer electronics, medical devices, industrial equipment, and automotive applications, allowing for wireless charging without the need for charging pads or wires.
Several research teams are also investigating the electrical characteristics of nanocrystals. One area of focus is photovoltaics, which involves using sunlight energy to create direct current (DC) electricity, as seen in solar panels. The goal is to identify chemically stable and non-toxic nanocrystals that can efficiently convert solar energy into electrical energy for advanced solar cells. Another research direction involves the development of nanocrystal light-emitting diodes (LEDs) based on type II nanoplatelets to create brighter LEDs.
Nanocrystal electricity has the potential to revolutionize wireless power transfer, offering a convenient and efficient way to charge devices without the need for plugs or pads. While there has been excitement and hype around this technology, it is important to note that actual investment prospects and product development timelines can be complicated and subject to delays.
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Nanocrystal electricity is a disruptive technology
One of the key advantages of nanocrystal electricity is its ability to enable wireless power transfer. Companies like Ossia, formerly known as Omnilectric, are utilizing radio frequency waves to power devices at a distance through their product, Cota. Cota allows devices to be charged wirelessly without the need for charging pads or wires, providing users with more freedom and convenience. This technology is already being applied in various sectors, including consumer electronics, medical devices, industrial equipment, and automotive applications.
Nanocrystal electricity has also found applications in the field of solar energy. Research teams are working to identify chemically stable and non-toxic nanocrystals that can efficiently convert solar energy into electrical energy, leading to the development of advanced solar cells with superior efficiency. This has the potential to revolutionize the way we harness clean energy from the sun, making it a more viable and attractive option for power generation.
Additionally, nanocrystals have been used as catalysts to transform impure hydrogen into electricity. Scientists at the Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a nanocatalyst that can produce hydrogen gas efficiently through the hydrogen evolution reaction. This technology has led to industrial partnerships, with companies such as Proton Onsite looking to deploy it in their production of water electrolyzers, reducing the amount of platinum required by 98%. This development could accelerate the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles by driving down costs for metal catalysts and fuel.
While nanocrystal electricity holds great promise, it is still in its infancy, and there are challenges to be addressed. One of the challenges is the need to identify stable and non-toxic nanocrystals that can be used in various applications. Additionally, the technology needs to be scaled up for widespread use, and companies working in this field must carefully manage expectations and provide realistic development timelines to maintain investor confidence.
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Nanocrystal electricity is a hype
Nanocrystal electricity is a term that has been used to describe the radiating of power through nanocrystals. In simple terms, it involves using crystals that are incredibly small (up to one-millionth the size of an ant) to amplify a frequency that can power a device. This technology would allow devices to draw power from the air, doing away with the need for plug-ins, cords, or batteries.
While the idea of nanocrystal electricity is exciting, it is important to recognize that it has been the subject of hype and overpromising. The term was popularized in the late 2010s by investors and newsletters promoting the startup tech company, Energous, as a "disruptive" technology with immense potential. However, a closer examination of the company's filings reveals no mention of "nanocrystal" or any related terms, casting doubt on the accuracy of the hype.
The reality is that nanocrystal electricity, while scientifically feasible, currently exists mostly in labs and is not yet ready for large-scale implementation. The electric currents produced by nanocrystals are too small to power anything for a significant length of time, and there are immense challenges in outfitting all devices to receive charges from nanocrystal frequencies. The market research estimates the nanocrystal electricity market to be worth $3 billion, with the potential to grow to over $37 billion in a few years. However, this growth depends on the successful resolution of technical challenges and the willingness of investors to take on the associated risks.
Despite the hype, nanocrystal electricity has the potential to revolutionize how we power our devices. It could be a universal power supply, doing away with the need for outlets and chargers. However, it is important to separate the hype from the reality and recognize that this technology is still in its infancy and will require significant research and development before becoming a viable option for the future of electricity.
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Nanocrystal electricity is a scam
It is unclear which company holds the patent for Nanocrystal Electricity, but it appears that Energous (WATT) is the wireless charging startup that is developing this technology. However, there are several red flags that indicate that Nanocrystal Electricity may be a scam.
First, the company and its promoters have a history of overpromising and hyping up the technology without providing clear evidence or timelines for development. This type of hype is often used to manipulate stock prices and generate interest from investors. The promise of "magic electricity" and claims that it will magically power everything are overly grandiose and lack specifics.
Second, the emails and newsletters promoting Nanocrystal Electricity use manipulative tactics to reel in potential investors. They offer vague and exciting promises without providing clear details or evidence. The claim that investing in this technology will lead to astronomical returns, such as "$1,000 to $78,000 in three years," is highly speculative and unlikely.
Third, there are practical and safety concerns with the implementation of Nanocrystal Electricity. As one commentator with electronics experience points out, exposure to powerful radio waves can be harmful to human health. There is a risk of "cooking people" if this technology is not implemented safely.
Finally, there is a lack of transparency and accountability. The company has not provided clear timelines or updates on their progress, and there are indications that they may be misleading potential investors about the status of their FCC approvals.
In conclusion, while the idea of wireless electricity is exciting and has the potential to revolutionize the industry, there are strong indications that Nanocrystal Electricity, as promoted by Energous (WATT) and Michael Robinson, may be a scam. Potential investors should exercise extreme caution and do their due diligence before considering investing in such disruptive technologies.
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