IISER - GS questions based on daily current affairs

1)   Which of the following is true regarding ‘nanogenerator’ recently in news?

a. It is developed by IIT Mumbai researchers
b. It produces 14 volts on thumb print
c. It is smallest electricity generator
d. All of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: It produces 14 volts on thumb print

Explanation:

  • The nanogenerator, which was fabricated by Pune’s Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) and the National Chemical Laboratory, produced 14 volts when thumb pressure was applied.
  • To demonstrate the potential of the nanogenerator to power small electronic devices, pressure equivalent to thumb pressure was continuously exerted on the nanogenerator for 20 minutes by using a vibration producing motor.
  • About 28 micro watt per square cm power and 14 volt that was generated was stored in a capacitor and used for charging a mobile phone.
  • Piezoelectric materials, which can generate electrical power locally through stress or flexing, are a great proposition for wearable electronics.
  • The researchers electrospun a piezoelectric polymer [P(VDF-TrFE)] directly onto a flexible, conducting carbon cloth. The carbon cloth was produced by the researchers by heating a piece of cotton cloth at 800 degree C for several hours in an inert atmosphere.
  • To improve the piezovoltage of the polymer fibres, the researchers coated the fibres with a stronger, inorganic ferroelectric material (BaTiO3) paste.
  • The voltage of 14 volt with a current of several microamperes is the highest power output reported for wearable type of nanogenerator using conducting cloth as the electrode