(Invited) Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Self-Powering Small Electronics

Abstract

Energy harvesting systems based on triboelectric materials are in great demand, as they can provide routes for the development of self-powered devices which are highly flexible, stretchable, mechanically durable, and can be used in a wide range of applications. Further recently smart systems met a large success. At the origin of the internet of things, they are a key driving force for the development of wireless, sustainable and independent autonomous smart systems. The autonomy is critical and despite all the progresses in low power electronics and battery, energy harvesters are becoming increasingly important. Thus harvesting mechanical energy is essential as it is widespread and abundant in our daily life environment. Among harvesters, flexible triboelectric nanogenerators exhibit good performances and are easy to integrate which make it the perfect candidate for many applications, and therefore crucial to develop. In this talk, I will address the importance of nanogenerators as well as the recent advances in power generation through triboelectric nanogenerators with the power generation mechanism. Furthermore recent research and design efforts for enhancing the power generation to commercialize nanogenerators for self-powering portable and wearable devices with low power consumption will also be presented.