Episode 5: Triboelectric nanogenerator powered by wind-driven leaf motion

In this podcast episode, MRS Bulletin’s Laura Leay interviews Fabian Meder from the Italian Institute of Technology in Genova and the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies in Piza, Italy about his research group’s device that makes use of wind-driven plant leaf motion to generate electricity which can power a chemical delivery system. Their triboelectric nanogenerator involves an artificial leaf made of a 500 μm silicone elastomer layer and an electrode made from indium tin oxide. This is attached to the leaf of a plant. A gold-coated pin electrode inserted in the stem of the plant harvests charges from the plant tissue. This work was published in a recent issue of Bioinspiration & Biomimetic.