The Interface between Nanoenergy and Self-Powered Electronics

Abstract

In recent decades, nanogenerators based on several techniques such as triboelectric effects, piezoelectric effects, or other mechanisms have experienced great developments. The nanoenergy generated by nanogenerators is supposed to be used to overcome the problem of energy supply problems for portable electronics and to be applied to self-powered microsystems including sensors, actuators, integrated circuits, power sources, and so on. Researchers made many attempts to achieve a good solution and have performed many explorations. Massive efforts have been devoted to developing self-powered electronics, such as self-powered communication devices, self-powered human–machine interfaces, and self-powered sensors. To take full advantage of nanoenergy, we need to review the existing applications, look for similarities and differences, and then explore the ways of achieving various self-powered systems with better performance. In this review, the methods of applying nanogenerators in specific circumstances are studied. The applications of nanogenerators are classified into two categories, direct utilization and indirect utilization, according to whether a treatment process is needed. We expect to offer a line of thought for future research on self-powered electronics.

Piezoelectric dressings for advanced wound healing

“…37,43,44 Currently, the most widely used portable power sources for providing electrical energy devices are batteries. However, due to their limited lifespan and the necessity for frequent recharging, 46,47 alternative methods of obtaining electrical energy must be considered. Portable self-powered devices can be developed based on different power generation mechanisms, such as the triboelectric effect, piezoelectric effect, thermoelectric effect, photoelectric effect, or electromagnetic induction.…”

Patch-Type Vibration Visualization (PVV) Sensor System Based on Triboelectric Effect

“…The triboelectric effect is based on the phenomenon of static electricity (triboelectricity), which is created by physical contact between two surfaces. With triboelectric energy harvesting, input mechanical energy sources such as motion, wind, wave, sound, and vibration activate the static electricity to generate an output electrical signal [19][20][21][22][23][24]. Static electricity is generated on its own only by physical contact, and thus no additional energy supply is required.…”