Plant Base Renewable Energy to Power Nanoscale Sensors

Abstract

The modern technologies have been revolutionized due to tremendous progress in Internet-of-Things (IoT). Sensors are a core component to make a bridge between the Internet and surrounding environments. The progress in power efficient communication network makes it possible to deploy the sensors in remote areas. The major drawback of these sensors is that they use Li-ion battery for power supply, which needs frequent recharging/replacement due to massive number of connected devices to IoT. The hazardous chemicals left in environment after the use of battery is another concern. Since modern nanoscale sensors need only nanoscale power (of order of μWatt), nanogenerators can play an important role to provide self-powered sensors, which is growing technology that can harvest small-scale energy from piezo- and pyroelectric effect. However, this technique is lightweight but not cost-effective and biodegradable. We have proposed a green, sustainable energy harvesting system based on living plants because plants are the undisputed champion of solar power that operates at nearly 100% efficiency. Plant-based energy generation is a method that harvests electrical energy from living plants due to a chemical reaction between the plant and a pair of electrodes. This energy is available 24×7 day and night irrespective of environmental conditions.