Loud sounds can supply power to charge mobile phones

Based from British researchers: every day noise can provide a low cost and long lasting

supply of energy for charging mobile phones.

A model gadget constructed by scientist from the Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) in collaboration with Nokia produces sufficient energy in order to charge a mobile phone simply by being exposed to sounds such as unwanted music and traffic noise.

The gadget, about the measurement of Nokia Lumia phone, is composed of energy-harvesting nano-generators that has the ability to convert vibrations produced by sound waves into electricity.

The group formerly shown that a similar idea can enhance the efficiency of solar cells, increasing their energy by playing noisy music. The present development guarantees that mobile phone consumers would never run out of battery or be pressured to find a socket to plug in their their gadget.

"Being able to keep mobile devices working for longer, or do away with batteries completely by tapping into the stray energy that is all around us is an exciting concept,” stated Joe and Materials Science, who developed the idea with his coworker Steve Dunn.

“This collaboration was an excellent opportunity to develop alternative device designs using cheap and scalable methods. We hope that we have brought this technology closer to viability," he stated about the work with Nokia.


The nano-generators consist of zinc oxide, a substance capable of producing voltage when compressed or expanded. The substance is formed into nano-rods, that can be covered onto numerous surfaces in different places creating the energy collecting very flexible.


The nano-rods react to vibration and motion produced by daily sounds, which includes people's voices. Electrical contacts on both sides of the rods are then utilized to collect the voltage to charge a  phone.

In order to make these nano-generators at scale, the scientists discovered progressive ways to reduce expenses in the production method.

First, they designed a procedure wherein they could spray on the nano-rod chemicals - nearly like nano-rod graffiti - to cover a plastic sheet in a layer of zinc oxide. When place directly into a combination of chemicals and heated to just 90°C, the nano-rods expanded all over the surface of the sheet.

Second, gold is usually, used as an electrical contact but the team were able to produce a strategy of using less expensive aluminum foil as an alternative.

The model gadget is capable of producing five volts, which is sufficient to charge a phone.