3D-printed flexible energy harvesting devices designed using non-layered two-dimensional natural tourmaline silicates

Abstract

This paper shows how non-layered naturally occurring tourmaline silicates can be exfoliated into 2D structures for use in fabrics and 3D printed biomedical health monitoring devices.

A comprehensive review of atomically thin silicates and their applications

“…Figure 2(a) shows a comparative optical bandgap representation of different 2D materials and where 2D silicate lies. Most of the 2D silicates lie in the wide bandgap region [35,36], which is suitable for some electrical insulation applications [35,37]. From this study, it can also be predicted that silicates can be an effective replacement for hBN in various applications [38].…”

“…2D silicate materials with suitable surface properties could be investigated for use in triboelectric nanogenerators to harvest energy from frictional contact in various scenarios, such as walking or interacting with surfaces [112]. Silicates like tourmaline are inherently piezoelectric and pyroelectric [113]; thinning down to 2D nanosheets may give it additional surface area and lower volume to be used in energy harvesting systems in miniaturized versions [36]. Researchers may be able to develop materials suitable for converting waste heat into electrical power in applications such as automotive systems or industrial processes by optimizing the pyroelectricity of 2D silicates [114].…”

“…The large surface area provides plenty of room for immobilizing biological recognition elements, and the layered structure may make integrating different components for signal amplification or multi-analyte detection easier [117]. Moreover, strain sensors detect mechanical deformation or strain using mechanical flexibility and may have applications in health monitoring, wearable devices, or robotics [36].…”