Clean Water from Waves: A Self-Powered Pollution Detector

A new self-powered water sensor uses wave energy to monitor pollutants like heavy metals, microplastics, and pesticides—no battery needed.

A wave-powered environmental sensor continuously monitors water pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and microplastics in real time.

Clean water is essential for life—but ensuring it stays clean is a challenge, especially in remote or polluted areas. Researchers have now developed a breakthrough technology: a compact, battery-free water monitoring system that runs on the natural motion of waves.

The innovation integrates two core components. First, a rotational triboelectric nanogenerator (R-TENG) captures energy from water movement, converting it into electricity. This harvested energy powers a highly sensitive transistor-based sensor made from AlGaN/GaN materials, known for their stability and performance under harsh environmental conditions. 

The sensor can detect a variety of harmful substances—including heavy metals (like lead, arsenic, and chromium), pesticides, and even tiny plastic particles—with remarkable precision. 

Encased in a waterproof acrylic housing and driven by magnets, the device operates continuously underwater, producing a stable voltage even in high humidity. It charges a small capacitor in about 10 seconds, which then fuels the sensor for real-time measurements. In lab and river tests, the system demonstrated excellent reliability, distinguishing pollutants down to nanomolar levels and showing a strong linear response to changes in water pH. 

Importantly, this self-powered sensor removes the need for batteries or power cables, which often hinder long-term environmental monitoring. By harvesting wave energy, it enables sustainable, long-duration deployment in oceans, rivers, and lakes—supporting both ecological protection and public health. 

“This compact, self-powered device offers a smart solution for remote water quality monitoring and early pollution detection,” says Prof. Zong-Hong Lin.

 

Prof. Zong-Hong Lin’s email address: [email protected]

Published: 01 Jul 2025

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No.1, Section 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei.

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This work was financially supported by the National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan (113–2636-E-002–002, 113-2628-E-002 -010 -MY3 and 113–2923-E-002–014-MY2) and Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (111A0342, 112A0340).