SBIR Phase I: Energy Harvesting Using Protein Nanostructures

这个小型企业创新研究（SBIR）第一阶段项目的更广泛的影响/商业潜力是展示一种新的清洁能源技术的概念验证，该技术使用蛋白质纳米结构作为传统电池的安全替代品或补充。我们的目标是创造100%可回收的动力装置，防止有毒电子废物在垃圾填埋场积累，并产生持续的电力，减少与更换传统电池相关的直接和劳动力成本。 这些成本是减缓低功耗、高价值电子产品（如工业物联网（IoT）传感器网络）广泛采用和使用的一个重大障碍。 该项目还可以解决易燃气体传感器等应用，传统电池由于安全问题通常不使用。 第一阶段项目的重点是使用一种技术，提供持续的可再生能源，并使用无毒的可回收材料制成，初步开发一种安全和可持续的电池替代品。第一阶段项目的重点是开发一种原型设备，该设备使用蛋白质纳米结构通过一种新的能量收集方法产生清洁能源，利用环境湿度。研究目标是（i）制造标准化，可靠和可重复的测试平台设备;（ii）证明商业规模生产一系列蛋白质纳米结构的可行性;以及（iii）使用我们的测试平台设备评估这些蛋白质纳米结构。试验台原型设备将使用商业上可扩展的工艺制造。将使用电化学和电子表征技术对使用蛋白质纳米结构制成的装置进行评估。 该项目的目标是成功制造薄膜发电装置，证明蛋白质纳米结构的商业规模生产，评估功率输出，并证明该装置发电的新作用机制。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，通过使用基金会的智力价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to demonstrate proof-of-concept for a new clean energy technology that uses protein nanostructures to serve as a safe alternative, or supplement, to traditional batteries. The goal is to create power units that are 100% recyclable, preventing toxic electronic waste from accumulating in landfills, and that generate continuous power, reducing the direct and labor costs associated with replacing traditional batteries. These costs are a significant hurdle that slows the widespread adoption and use of low-power, high-value electronics such as networks of industrial Internet of Things (IoT) sensors. The project may also address applications, such a flammable gas sensors, where traditional batteries are not typically used to due to safety concerns. This Phase 1 project is focused on the initial development of a safe and sustainable replacement for batteries using a technology that provides continuous renewable energy and is made with non-toxic recyclable materials.The intellectual merits of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on developing a prototype device that uses protein nanostructures to generate clean power by means of a new method of energy harvesting that leverages environmental humidity. The research objectives are to (i) fabricate standardized, reliable and reproducible testbed devices; (ii) demonstrate the feasibility of commercial-scale production of a range of protein nanostructures; and (iii) to evaluate these protein nanostructures using our testbed devices. The testbed prototype devices will be made using commercially scalable processes. Devices made using the protein nanostructures will be evaluated using electrochemical and electronic characterization techniques. The goals of the project are to successfully fabricate thin-film power generation devices, prove commercial-scale production of protein nanostructures, evaluate the power output, and demonstrate a novel mechanism of action of power generation from the devices.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.