Real-Time Smartphone Charging from Recycled Aluminum Foil-Based Electromagnetic Energy Harvester

Harvesting energy from waste resources shows significant potential in low-power electronics, self-powered devices, and waste-energy management. Herein, a possible mechanism is demonstrated to harvest waste electromagnetic (EM) energy produced by the induction heater where recycled aluminum foil is utilized as an energy-harvester unit. As a consequence, approximate to 5.34 mu W of harvested power is manifested under the operating condition of the induction heater. In this connection, a demonstration of the real-time calculator operation, 26 blue light-emitting diode lighting, and smartphone battery charging are presented. It indicates an excellent opportunity to harvest the abundantly available waste EM energy using the recycled and widely used food-packaging Al foil. Thus, it is expected that the waste EM energy can be utilized to power up consumer electronic appliances.