Like solar panels collect the sun's energy, can we collect the electricity surrounding us in the atmosphere? Some people like Brazilian researcher Fernando Galembeck think it is possible. He calls it 'hygroelectricity'.
Nikola Tesla knew that the interaction between air and water in the atmosphere generated an electrical charge, but he was unable to fulfill his vision of capturing electrical energy from the air. Scientists once believed that water droplets in the atmosphere were electrically neutral, and remained so even after coming into contact with the electrical charges on dust particles and droplets of other liquids. But new evidence suggested that water in the atmosphere really does pick up an electrical charge.
Using very small particles of silica and aluminum phosphate to mimic the electrical charge gathering ability of water droplets, Galembeck's research team has developed an early stage device that successfully gathers and transfers the electrical energy that surrounds us.
Yes it is too early to bring out the collectors! But well, there is hope we can some day seize the lightning!
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