Biohybrid Wind Energy Generators Based on Living Plants

Biohybrid approaches harnessing living systems and biological tissue to accumulate electrical energy have potential to contribute green and autonomous power sources. We recently discovered that the cuticle-cellular tissue bilayer in higher plant leaves functions as an integrated triboelectric generator that is capable of converting mechanical stimuli into electricity. In this manner, living plants can be used to transducemechanical energy such as wind energy into electricity. Here, we report on two essential components of the plant-biohybrid energy harvesting prototypes studied in Ficus microcarpa and Rhododendron yakushimanum, which are 1) the electrodes at the plant tissue that are used to harvest the electrical signals and 2) the wind-induced mechanical interactions between plants and an artificial leaf based on a silicone rubber/indium tin oxide/polyethylene terephthalate multilayer that is installed at the plant’s leaf to enhance the power output. We show moreover that in the same manner a Nerium oleander plant can directly power 50 LEDs and a digital thermometer under wind excitation. The results reveal design strategies for biohybrid energy harvesters on the basis of living plants that could become autonomous energy sources for sensor networks and environmental monitoring.