Innovation tackles food waste while creating sustainable power sources
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a way to transform discarded pomelo peels into electricity-generating devices that monitor body movements. This innovation tackles food waste while creating sustainable power sources. The spongy inner layer of pomelo peels, known for its porous structure, is freeze-dried and combined with plastic film to create triboelectric devices. When touched, these devices generate electricity through contact electrification, producing enough power to light LEDs or run small electronics like watches and calculators. This breakthrough not only reduces food waste but also offers a biodegradable alternative to petroleum-based electronic components. The research aligns with sustainability efforts by repurposing agricultural waste into functional technology. While still in development, the concept has commercial potential within three to five years, particularly in wearable health monitoring and small-scale power generation. Researchers continue exploring new applications to advance food waste upcycling and long-term sustainability. Learn more about this discovery.
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