Nanodevices for generating power from molecules and batteryless sensing

摘要

A nanoconverter or nanosensor is disclosed capable of directly generating electricity through physisorption interactions with molecules that are dipole containing organic species in a molecule interaction zone. High surface-to-volume ratio semiconductor nanowires or nanotubes (such as ZnO, silicon, carbon, etc.) are grown either aligned or randomly-aligned on a substrate. Epoxy or other nonconductive polymers are used to seal portions of the nanowires or nanotubes to create molecule noninteraction zones. By correlating certain molecule species to voltages generated, a nanosensor may quickly identify which species is detected. Nanoconverters in a series parallel arrangement may be constructed in planar, stacked, or rolled arrays to supply power to nano- and micro-devices without use of external batteries. In some cases breath, from human or other life forms, contain sufficient molecules to power a nanoconverter. A membrane permeable to certain molecules around the molecule interaction zone increases specific molecule nanosensor selectivity response.

主权项

1. A nanoconverter, comprising:
(a) a substrate; (b) one or more nanostructures attached at one end to the substrate; and (c) means for generating power from the one or more nanostructures; (d) wherein the means for generating power comprises:
(i) a molecule interaction zone wherein the nanostructures are capable of interaction with molecules;(ii) a molecule noninteraction zone wherein the nanostructures are incapable of interaction with molecules: and(iii) a sealant matrix that surrounds at least a portion of the nanostructures;(iv) wherein the surrounded portion of the nanostructures forms the molecule noninteraction zone.