A team of researchers from MIT found that when water droplets jump away from superhydrophobic surfaces during condensation, they are able to capture a small amount of electricity that could be used to power electronic devices.
The researchers are currently developing a passive device that contains two arrays of interleaved metal plates that may be able produce at least 1 microwatt per square centimeter. The system would need to be used in a location with a humid environment, but also have access to a place where the air temperature is colder than the surrounding air. This process could lead to a way to charge cellphones or other electronics in remote locations, and could also be used to produce clean water.
