Researchers develop electricity-generating device from air humidity
Scientists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have created a small device that produces electricity by drawing on moisture in the air. This innovation, known as the Air-gen, operates continuously without sunlight or wind. The breakthrough could pave the way for sustainable power sources in various environments.
On October 1, 2025, a team led by Jun Yao, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, announced the development of a new nanotechnology-based device capable of generating electricity from ambient humidity in the air. The device, referred to as the Air-gen, consists of tiny protein nanowires that create an electrical voltage through the interaction with water molecules in the atmosphere.
The research, published in the journal Advanced Materials, builds on earlier work from 2020 where the same team first demonstrated a similar concept on a larger scale. This latest iteration scales down the technology to microscopic levels, allowing for higher efficiency and potential integration into everyday items like wearable electronics or building materials. 'We are very excited about this because it opens up possibilities for harvesting energy from the air everywhere, day and night,' Yao stated in a university press release.
Key details from the study include the device's ability to produce a steady current of about 0.5 volts and 17 nanoamperes per device under normal humidity conditions (around 20-60% relative humidity). Stacking multiple layers can amplify the output, with prototypes showing voltages up to several volts. The nanowires are derived from Geobacter bacteria, which naturally produce these conductive filaments.
Background context reveals that the inspiration came from observing how certain bacteria generate electricity in moist environments. The team, including co-authors Derek Lovley and Guanglai Li, spent years refining the material to ensure stability and scalability. Unlike solar or wind power, which depend on weather, the Air-gen functions continuously, making it suitable for indoor applications or remote areas.
Implications highlighted in the release suggest broad applications in powering sensors for Internet of Things (IoT) devices, environmental monitoring, and even contributing to renewable energy grids. However, challenges remain, such as increasing power density to compete with batteries and ensuring long-term durability in varying conditions. Yao emphasized, 'This is just the beginning; we need to optimize for real-world use.'
The discovery has garnered attention from the scientific community for its potential to address global energy needs without relying on finite resources. No immediate commercialization timeline was provided, but the researchers plan further testing in diverse humidity levels.