Binghamton University researchers develop electricity-generating wallpaper

Researchers at Binghamton University in New York have developed a novel type of wallpaper capable of generating electricity from indoor humidity. Led by Professor Seokheun “Sean” Choi, the research team utilized tiny hygroelectric generators (MEG) that absorb water molecules from the air to create an ionic concentration gradient, establishing a voltage that produces electrical current.

While the energy output is currently small, the technology is designed to power low-consumption electronics. Potential applications include environmental sensors, wireless communication modules, and smart building interfaces within the growing Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. Unlike previous designs that relied on unstable outdoor humidity, this indoor application aims for more consistent energy harvesting.