Triboelectric Energy Harvesting Research Articles

Design and analysis of triboelectric energy harvester with an application in self-powered smart mask

The epidemiological information concerning novel corona virus (SARS-Cov-2) seeks attention nowadays to get an overview of global as well as country-based cases and deaths so far. The utilization of face mask has become evident for the protective measure of mankind to filter out the infiltrating virus from outside. In this paper, we have analysed various triboelectric based energy harvester configurations focusing on its application in self-powered smart mask design to combat SARS-Cov-2. Smart mask will comprise of triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and a smart layer to execute electrocution of the infiltrating virus as well as ensure the safety of human being (I < 10 mA). The theoretical investigations and simulation studies are carried out for different triboelectric materials and a comparative analysis is also portrayed in the context of designing self-powered smart mask under different operating modes. It has been observed that polypropylene-poly methyl methacrylate (PP-PMMA) material combination produces an electrical field of 0.9916 MV/m which is sufficient to electrocute the virus without causing harm to human body. Hence the design and comprehensive analysis is carried out considering PP-PMMA combination for various possible modes of operation like constant velocity, constant acceleration, sinusoidal and generic one. Here, respiration is considered as major mechanical input source for TENG whereas other biomechanical activities like talking, chewing are also discussed in the context of self-powered application of smart mask. It has been demonstrated that the physiological activity like chewing and respiration altogether produce a typical input force of 23.65 N which is sufficient to electrocute the incoming virus without causing any hazard to human health.

One fell swoop strategized bipolar energy device for triboelectric energy harvesting and electrochemical energy storage

Bipolar energy devices are an essential feature due to the enlargement of intelligent and portable electronics in the present decade. In this work, we demonstrated a bipolar energy device using binder-free MnO2 deposited on carbon cloth (CC) by a one-step electrochemical deposition process (EDP), which was employed for solid-state supercapacitor device (SSCD) and another side of CC with Kapton (KP) as TENG device. The efficiency of the bare CC electrode was boosted by growing uniform porous MnO2 nanoballs on the surface of CC, the standalone CC electrode was aided as a positive tribo-layer, and the Kapton film as the negative tribo-layer in the TENG device. The constructed CC-KP TENG device generated a maximum peak power of 15.11 μW, whereas the MnO2 SSCD delivered energy/power density of 37.41 Wh kg−1/10000 W kg−1, respectively. Overall, the results conclude that these types of bipolar energy devices were splendid and could be used in miniatured low-power electronic devices.

Integrated System of Mechanical Regulator and Electrical Circuitry on Triboelectric Energy Harvesting with Near‐Field Communication for Low Power Consumption

AbstractThis paper presents an integrated power generation, conversion, and storage system with a temperature monitoring system, including passive near‐field communication (PGCS‐TMS‐pNFC), based on triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). The system consists of three parts; first, a mechanical regulation system (MRS) with kinematic design and multiphase control; second, a phase control rectifying circuit (PCRC) with a battery charging circuit (BCC); and third, a data processing and communication system (TMS‐pNFC) for low power consumption. The MRS, consisting of a reel spring and gear train, achieves a high‐frequency output exceeding 1000 Hz, and long‐lasting operation. PCRC provides stable and minimizing fluctuated DC output with a ripple effect as RMS voltage and current of 423 V and 46 µA, for 2 s, with a crest factor of 1.15 and 1.08. The PGCS‐TMS‐pNFC, harvesting building energy, such as opening and closing doors, is used to sense and store temperature data for more than 29 min, and the data is transmitted to the receiver via pNFC through smartphone tagging. Additionally, the PGCS with BCC is implemented on a bicycle frame to charge electronic devices while riding. This research underscores the integrated approach and practical applications of TENG technology that contribute to energy efficiency and sustainability in the lives.

Green Energy Harvesting and Management Systems in Intelligent Buildings for Cost-Effective Operation

Nowadays, the rise of Internet of Things (IoT) devices is driving technological upgrades and transformations in the construction industry, the integration of IoT devices in buildings is crucial for both the buildings themselves and the intelligent cities. However, large-scale IoT devices increase energy consumption and bring higher operating costs to buildings. Therefore, harvesting the ambient cost-effective and clean energy sources is essential for the future development of intelligent buildings. In this work, we investigate the feasibility of integrating a typical triboelectric droplet energy harvester (DEH) into buildings. We demonstrate the energy harvesting capabilities of DEH on different sloped roof surfaces and complex curved building surfaces by simulating rainy weather with various rainfall intensities. The results indicate energy harvesting efficiency increases with larger tilt angles, which guides future smart architectural designs. This work is significant for the future integration of diversified, all-weather green energy collection and management systems, including raindrop energy, wind power generation, and solar energy, which will contribute to energy conservation and cost control in the next generation of smart buildings.

Influence of SiC Doping on the Mechanical, Electrical, and Optical Properties of 3D-Printed PLA

Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing or digital fabrication technology, is emerging as a fast-expanding technology for the fabrication of prototypes and products in a variety of applications. This is mainly due to the advantages of 3D printing including the ease of manufacturing, the use of reduced material quantities minimizing material waste, low-cost mass production as well as energy efficiency. Polylactic acid (PLA) is a natural thermoplastic polyester that is produced from renewable resources and is routinely used to produce 3D-printed structures. One important feature that makes PLA appealing is that its properties can be modulated by the inclusion of nano or microfillers. This is of special importance for 3D-printed triboelectric nanogenerators since it can enhance the performance of the devices. In this work we investigate the influence of SiC micron-sized particles on the mechanical, electrical, and optical properties of a PLA-SiC composite for potential application in triboelectric energy harvesting. Our result show that the ultimate tensile strength of the pure PLA and 1%-doped PLA decreases with the number of fatigue cycles but increases by about 10% when SiC doping increases to 2% and 3%, while the strain at max load was about 3% independent of doping and the effective hardness was increased reaching a plateau at about 2 wt% SiC, about 40% above the value for pure PLA. Our results show that the mechanical properties of PLA can be enhanced by the inclusion of SiC, depending on the concentration of SiC. In addition, the same behavior is observed for the dielectric constant of the composite material increases as the SiC concentration increases, while the optical properties of the resulting composite are strongly dependent on the concentration of SiC.

Low-temperature resistant hydrogel with inkjet-printed MXene on microspine surface for pressure sensing and triboelectric energy harvesting

Wearable, flexible sensors based on hydrogel fabrication have recently gained significant attention due to their unique properties. However, developing hydrogel sensors that maintain high sensitivity and work effectively in sub-zero temperatures remains a formidable challenge. Herein, a hydrogel with surfaces featuring randomly distributed microspines is synthesized by combining sodium alginate (SA) and acrylamide (AM) as the hydrogel components. To fabricate a wearable sensor, a highly conductive MXene layer is inkjet-printed onto the surface of the hydrogel microspines. The resulting sensor exhibits a remarkable array of features, including exceptional sensitivity (15.03 kPa−1), a low detection limit (10 Pa), a vast operating range (0.12–70 kPa), rapid response and recovery (40/100 ms), reliable performance (over 1000 cycles), and outstanding resistance to low temperatures (-20 °C). Moreover, this hydrogel-based sensor facilitates the efficient collection of human monitoring data, such as vocal patterns, pulse, and joint movements, even when operating at −20 °C and in ice bath conditions. Importantly, the surface-based inkjet MXene hydrogels could be assembled into a deformable triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), allowing mechanical energy harvesting. The TENG exhibited peak output voltage and current values of 5 V and 2.5 μA, respectively.

Printed and Stretchable Triboelectric Energy Harvester Based on P(VDF‐TrFE) Porous Aerogel

AbstractDeveloping energy harvesting devices is crucial to mitigate the dependence on conventional and rigid batteries in wearable electronics, ensuring their autonomous operation. Nanogenerators offer a cost‐effective solution for enabling continuous operation of wearable electronics. Herein, this study proposes a novel strategy that combines freeze‐casting, freeze‐drying, and printing technologies to fabricate a fully printed triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) based on polyvinylidene fluorid‐etrifluoroethylene P(VDF‐TrFE) porous aerogel. First, the effects of porosity and poling on the stretchability and energy harvesting capabilities of P(VDF‐TrFE) are investigated, conducting a comprehensive analysis of this porous structure's impact on the mechanical, ferroelectric, and triboelectric properties compared to solid P(VDF‐TrFE) films. The results demonstrate that structural modification of P(VDF‐TrFE) significantly enhances stretchability increasing it from 7.7% (solid) to 66.4% (porous). This modification enhances output voltage by 66% and generated charges by 48% for non‐poled P(VDF‐TrFE) porous aerogel films compared to their non‐poled solid counterparts. Then, a fully printed TENG is demonstrated using stretchable materials, exhibiting a peak power of 62.8 mW m−2 and an average power of 9.9 mW m−2 over 100 tapping cycles at 0.75 Hz. It can illuminate light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) through the harvesting of mechanical energy from human motion. This study provides a significant advance in the development of energy harvesting devices.

Calcium copper titanate incorporated polydimethylsiloxane flexible composite film-based triboelectric nanogenerator for energy harvesting and self-powered sensing applications

Triboelectric energy harvesters offer an efficient way to convert mechanical energy harvested by everyday human body actions into electrical energy. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are an attractive solution for power supply concerns in the development of portable electronic gadgets and self-powered sensor applications. Herein, a dielectric calcium copper titanate (CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO)) ceramic material was synthesized by a solid-state reaction process. The synthesized particles were embedded in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer to form a CCTO/PDMS flexible composite film (FCF)-based TENG, called a CCTO FCF-TENG, which is light-weight, simple, and suitable for use. The dielectric properties, surface charge density, and electrical conductivity of the FCF were greatly improved by the addition of the CCTO particles into the PDMS, resulting in excellent electrical output performance of the corresponding CCTO FCF-TENG. The CCTO FCF-TENG device was constructed with the CCTO/PDMS FCF, which functioned vertically against a cellulose paper to optimize a high and stable electrical output. Furthermore, the filler concentration and film thickness optimization was studied more to achieve the highest output power of the CCTO FCF-TENG. The optimized CCTO FCF-TENG exhibited the highest electrical output voltage, current, charge density, and power density of ∼250 V, ∼6.5 μA, ∼70 μC/m2, and ∼3.15 W/m2, respectively. The mechanical stability and durability of the CCTO FCF-TENG were systematically analyzed. The practical and real-time applications of the packed CCTO FCF-TENG were systematically investigated under various harsh environmental conditions. Finally, the packed CCTO FCF-TENG successfully powered several low-power portable electronics and was also used as a self-powered sensor to sense biomechanical actions in everyday human body activities.

A walking energy harvesting device based on miniature water turbine

The rapid development of wearable electronics highlights the urgence to develop the portable energy harvester with excellent output performance, comfortability, and sustainability. This work designs an electromagnetic walking energy harvester based on water turbine that can be embedded in shoes with good comfortability. Its working principle is that the walking generated pressure energy drives a miniature hydraulic turbine to output electricity. Experimental results show that an average power of 300 and 180 mW can be produced at heel and toe, respectively, when a man of 80 kg walks at a speed of 1.8 m s−1. This power output exceeds the piezoelectric, triboelectric, and electromagnetic walking energy harvesters reported in the past. Additionally, the simpler structure endows it better comfortability as compared with the electrostatic capacitances. Computational fluid dynamics simulations provide a further insight that the efficiency of turbine can reach 13.5% by optimizing parameters of blade number and outlet flow ratio. Finally, user real-time positioning and trajectory recording are successfully demonstrated via a wearable GPS means Global Positioning System module powered by the harvester. Due to the combination of high output performance, simple structure and low discomfort, the water turbine based walking energy harvester will provide a wide application potential in wearable devices.

Triboelectric nanogenerator based on electrospun molecular ferroelectric composite nanofibers for energy harvesting

An eco-friendly triboelectric nanogenerator constructed with molecular ferroelectric fiber mats offers a scalable and cost-effective solution for wearable electronics.

Intermittent control switch characteristics of triboelectric electric hybrid energy harvesting devices and power management circuits

Renewable energy sources such as wind, vibration, and water wave energy are widely available in everyday life, where there are also scenarios where multiple renewable energy sources coexist. If multiple...

A Fully Integrated Electrostatic Charge Boosting Rectifier for Triboelectric Energy Harvesting

A Fully Integrated Electrostatic Charge Boosting Rectifier for Triboelectric Energy Harvesting

A Triboelectric Energy Harvesting IC With High-Voltage Synchronous Electric Charge Extraction Strategy and Superior Systematic Efficiency

A Triboelectric Energy Harvesting IC With High-Voltage Synchronous Electric Charge Extraction Strategy and Superior Systematic Efficiency

Eco-Friendly Powder and Particles-Based Triboelectric Energy Harvesters

Eco-Friendly Powder and Particles-Based Triboelectric Energy Harvesters

Gravity-coupled flutter and contact of a flag near a wall

The stability and postcritical behaviour of a horizontal flag undergoing gravity-induced deformation and periodic contact with a nearby horizontal rigid wall are experimentally investigated. The results elucidate the combined effects of gravity and contact on flutter, and reveal design principles for application to triboelectric energy harvesting. By varying the free-stream velocity, flag thickness and distance between the flagpole and the wall, the dynamics of the flag are classified into quasistatic equilibrium, flutter, partial contact and saturated contact modes. Considering the significance of gravitational effects, a new dimensionless flow velocity is proposed to identify the distribution of the dynamic modes, and its definition varies according to whether the wall is placed above or below the flag. The critical conditions for transitions between the dynamic modes are determined from the balance of fluid dynamic and gravitational effects. The distance from the flagpole to the wall is found to be more critical for transitions in the lower-wall configuration than in the upper-wall configuration. The peak contact force as well as the oscillation amplitude and frequency at postequilibrium exhibits remarkably different trends depending on the location of the wall. The peak contact force imposed on the wall by the fluttering flag weakens as the distance to the wall increases in the case of an upper wall, whereas it becomes stronger in the case of a lower wall.

Electrospun Cellulose Nanocrystals Reinforced Flexible Sensing Paper for Triboelectric Energy Harvesting and Dynamic Self-Powered Tactile Perception.

The technical synergy between flexible sensing paper and triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) in the next stage of artificial intelligence Internet of Things engineering makes the development of intelligent sensing paper with triboelectric function very attractive. Therefore, it is extremely urgent to explore functional papers that are more suitable for triboelectric sensing. Here, a cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) reinforced PVDF hybrid paper (CPHP) is developed by electrospinning technology. Benefitting from the unique effects of CNCs, CPHP forms a solid cross-linked network among fibers and obtains a high-strength (25MPa) paper-like state and high surface roughness. Meanwhile, CNCs also improve the triboelectrification effect of CPHP by assisting the PVDF matrix to form more electroactive phases (96% share) and a higher relative permittivity (17.9). The CPHP-based TENG with single electrode configuration demonstrates good output performance (open-circuit voltage of 116V, short-circuit current of 2.2µA and power density of 91mWm-2) and ultrahigh pressure-sensitivity response (3.95mVPa-1), which endows CPHP with reliable power supply and sensing capability. More importantly, the CPHP-based flexible self-powered tactile sensor with TENG array exhibits multifunctional applications in imitation Morse code compilation, tactile track recognition, and game character control, showing great prospects in the intelligent inductive device and human-machine interaction.

Highly adaptive and broadband triboelectric energy harvester with stretching silicone rubber strip for variable harmonic frequency vibration

Highly adaptive and broadband triboelectric energy harvester with stretching silicone rubber strip for variable harmonic frequency vibration

Applications of Sustainable Hybrid Energy Harvesting: A Review

This paper provides a short review of sustainable hybrid energy harvesting and its applications. The potential usage of self-powered wireless sensor (WSN) systems has recently drawn a lot of attention to sustainable energy harvesting. The objective of this research is to determine the potential of hybrid energy harvesters to help single energy harvesters overcome their energy deficiency problems. The major findings of the study demonstrate how hybrid energy harvesting, which integrates various energy conversion technologies, may increase power outputs, and improve space utilization efficiency. Hybrid energy harvesting involves collecting energy from multiple sources and converting it into electrical energy using various transduction mechanisms. By properly integrating different energy conversion technologies, hybridization can significantly increase power outputs and improve space utilization efficiency. Here, we present a review of recent progress in hybrid energy-harvesting systems for sustainable green energy harvesting and their applications in different fields. This paper starts with an introduction to hybrid energy harvesting, showing different hybrid energy harvester configurations, i.e., the integration of piezoelectric and electromagnetic energy harvesters; the integration of piezoelectric and triboelectric energy harvesters; the integration of piezoelectric, triboelectric, and electromagnetic energy harvesters; and others. The output performance of common hybrid systems that are reported in the literature is also outlined in this review. Afterwards, various potential applications of hybrid energy harvesting are discussed, showing the practical attainability of the technology. Finally, this paper concludes by making recommendations for future research to overcome the difficulties in developing hybrid energy harvesters. The recommendations revolve around improving energy conversion efficiency, developing advanced integration techniques, and investigating new hybrid configurations. Overall, this study offers insightful information on sustainable hybrid energy harvesting together with quantitative information, numerical findings, and useful research recommendations that progress and promote the use of this technology.

Wall-bounded periodic snap-through and contact of a buckled sheet

Fluid flow passing a post-buckled sheet placed between two close confining walls induces periodic snap-through oscillations and contacts that can be employed for triboelectric energy harvesting. The responses of a two-dimensional sheet to a uniform flow and wall confinement in both equilibrium and post-equilibrium states are numerically investigated by varying the distance between the two ends of the sheet, gap distance between the confining walls and flow velocity. Cases with strong interactions between the sheet and walls are of most interest for examining how contact with the walls affects the dynamics of the sheet and flow structure. At equilibrium, contact with the wall displaces the sheet to form a nadir on its front part, yielding a lower critical flow velocity for the transition to snap-through oscillations. However, reducing the gap distance between the walls below a certain threshold distinctly shifts the shape of the sheet, alters the pressure distribution and eventually leads to a notable delay in the instability. The contact between the oscillating sheet and the walls at post-equilibrium is divided into several distinct modes, changing from sliding/rolling contact to bouncing contact with increasing flow velocity. During this transition, the time-averaged contact force exerted on the sheet decreases with the flow velocity. The vortices generated at the extrema of the oscillating sheet are annihilated by direct contact with the walls and merging with the shear layers formed by the walls, resulting in a wake structure dominated by the unstable shear layers.

Comparison of Contact Electrification Mechanisms of Selected Polymers and Surface-Functionalized Molecules.

Among the possible alternatives for the improvement of contact electrification for triboelectric energy harvesting purposes, the functionalization of contact surfaces has attracted wide attention due to its versatility and cost-efficiency. Similarly, low-stiffness polymeric materials such as poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) are regarded as a promising choice of contact material for the same purpose. However, for defining the most efficient combinations of materials of the aforementioned types, a number of theoretical questions still frequently pose difficulties for practical implementation-related tasks. In this regard, the presented study theoretically assesses the possibilities of consistently selecting optimum performance combinations of contact materials. Here, the optimum is defined as the minimum energy of the charge transfer reaction and, consequently, the maximum density of the predicted triboelectric surface charge. With this aim, the most promising combinations in terms of electron-transfer energies were identified among the candidates of functionalized molecules and polymers. Based on the ordering of materials according to the basic characteristics of charge-transfer reactions─electron and hole affinities─certain differences were observed. These findings indicate that for the materials under consideration, it is not possible to establish a single triboelectric series solely based on a single characteristic. Furthermore, to evaluate the potential compatibility of charge-transfer reaction mechanisms based on electron and material transfer, molecular dynamics simulations were conducted using structures that depict pairs of polymers and self-assembled monolayers of functionalized molecules in contact and separated types of operations. The obtained results indicate that the formation of equally charged free fragments of polymer chains is likely taking place in the contact electrification for N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyl trimethoxysilane/PDMS interfaces. At variance, a contact electrification mechanism by charge-dependent material transfer may occur for 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorooctyl trimethoxysilane/PDMS interfaces.