Harvesting Electricity from Ambient Air

Electricity from Air: The Air-gen Technology

In 2020, researchers at the University of Massachusetts developed Air-gen, a generator designed to produce electricity from moisture in the air using a natural protein.

The researchers cultivate a conductive protein with Geobacter bacteria. They form it into a film less than ten micrometers thick — several times thinner than a human hair — and place it between two electrodes. The protein absorbs moisture from the air, and its microscopic pores enable an electric current to develop between the electrodes.

The original article reports that Air-gen performs best at 45% humidity but can also operate in dry environments such as the Sahara. It works indoors and does not require particular weather conditions.

Its power output remains low and is currently sufficient only for charging small devices. Researchers aim to develop versions for phones and smartwatches. The article also describes the possibility of integrating Air-gen with wall paint to create a continuous source of electricity in buildings.