Advance in Energy Harvesters/Nanogenerators and Self-Powered Sensors II

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanoelectronics, Nanosensors and Devices".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 October 2023) | Viewed by 17682

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Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is a continuation of the previous successful Special Issue, entitled “Advance in Energy Harvesters / Nanogenerators and Self-Powered Sensors” (https://www.mdpi.com/journal/nanomaterials/special_issues/Energy_Harvesters), hosted by the same editors.

With the rapid development of the information industry and 5G networks, self-sustained devices and systems could dramatically benefit from energy harvesting technologies (i.e., piezoelectric, triboelectric, electromagnetic, thermoelectric, pyroelectric, photovoltaic, etc.). In the past few years, energy harvesting technologies have been extensively studied by numerous research groups around the world, leading to in-depth innovation and rapid advances in this field. Other than the development of energy harvesters and power sources, energy harvesting technologies can also be adopted to develop diversified self-powered devices, ranging from physical sensors, chemical sensors, IoT sensor nodes, all the way to functional interfaces, and actuators, etc. Enabled by the innovative energy harvesters and self-powered devices, self-sustained and functional systems can eventually be realized, rendering a large variety of promising applications in the new era, such as smart homes, sports training, health care, medical rehabilitation, robotics, entertainment, and machine learning-assisted intelligent systems to improve the convenience of human life.

This Special Issue seeks to showcase research papers and review articles in this field and welcomes contributions devoted to the design, fabrication, characterization, integration, and application of energy harvesters, nanogenerators, self-powered sensors and systems, with particular interests in flexible, wearable, implantable, human machine interface, IoT, machine learning, big data, and other applications.

Prof. Dr. Qiongfeng Shi
Dr. Jianxiong Zhu
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • energy harvesters
  • piezoelectric nanogenerator
  • triboelectric nanogenerator
  • pyroelectric nanogenerator
  • thermoelectric generator
  • electromagnetic generator
  • power management
  • self-powered sensors
  • self-powered systems

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 177 KiB  
Editorial
Advances in Energy Harvesters/Nanogenerators and Self-Powered Sensors II
by Jianxiong Zhu and Qiongfeng Shi
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(1), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14010121 - 04 Jan 2024
Viewed by 712
Abstract
The Internet of Things (IoT) has become a focal point in the realm of information technology and has facilitated the interconnectedness and communication of various objects, such as devices and sensors in smart cities, intelligent transportation, industrial automation, agriculture, healthcare, etc [...] Full article

Research

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11 pages, 5410 KiB  
Article
A Self-Powered Flexible Displacement Sensor Based on Triboelectric Effect for Linear Feed System
by Tingting Zhao, Dongsheng Li, Peijuan Cui, Zhongbin Zhang, Yuyang Sun, Xingyou Meng, Zhanlin Hou, Zaiping Zheng, Yuping Huang and Huicong Liu
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(24), 3100; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13243100 - 07 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 683
Abstract
The detection and feedback of displacement and velocity significantly impact the control accuracy of the linear feed system. In this study, we propose a flexible and self-powered displacement sensor based on the triboelectric effect, designed for seamless integration into linear feed systems. The [...] Read more.
The detection and feedback of displacement and velocity significantly impact the control accuracy of the linear feed system. In this study, we propose a flexible and self-powered displacement sensor based on the triboelectric effect, designed for seamless integration into linear feed systems. The displacement sensor comprises two parts, the mover and stator, operating in a sliding mode. This sensor can precisely detect the displacement of the linear feed system with a large detection range. Additionally, the sensor is capable of real-time velocity detection of linear feed systems, with an error rate below 0.5%. It also offers advantages, such as excellent flexibility, compact size, stability, easy fabrication, and seamless integration, with linear feed systems. These results highlight the potential of the self-powered displacement sensor for various applications in linear feed systems. Full article
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13 pages, 29713 KiB  
Article
Improving the Performance of Polydimethylsiloxane-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators by Introducing CdS Particles into the Polydimethylsiloxane Layer
by Jianbin Mao and Soonmin Seo
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(22), 2943; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13222943 - 14 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 784
Abstract
Energy harvesting and power generation technologies hold significant potential for meeting future energy demands and improving environmental sustainability. A triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), which harnesses energy from the surrounding environment, has garnered significant attention as a promising and sustainable power source applicable in various [...] Read more.
Energy harvesting and power generation technologies hold significant potential for meeting future energy demands and improving environmental sustainability. A triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), which harnesses energy from the surrounding environment, has garnered significant attention as a promising and sustainable power source applicable in various fields. In this study, we present a technique to improve the triboelectric performance of a PDMS-based TENG by incorporating nanostructured cadmium sulfide (N-CdS). This study investigates the utilization of CdS nanomaterials in TENG production, where mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy. We conducted a comparative analysis of TENGs utilizing N-CdS/PDMS, commercial CdS/PDMS (C-CdS/PDMS), and pure PDMS substrates. The N-CdS/PDMS substrates demonstrated superior triboelectric performance compared to TENG devices based on pure PDMS and C-CdS/PDMS. The triboelectric open-circuit voltage (Voc) and short-circuit current (Isc) of the N-CdS/PDMS-based TENG device were approximately 236 V and 17.4 µA, respectively, when operated at a 2 Hz frequency. These values were approximately 3 times and 2.5 times higher, respectively, compared to the pure PDMS-based TENGs. They were further studied in detail to understand the effect of different parameters such as contact–separation frequency and contact force on the TENGs’ operation. The stability of the TENG devices was studied, and their potential to be integrated into self-powered smart textiles as power sources was demonstrated. Full article
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15 pages, 9146 KiB  
Article
Low-Cost Manufacturing of Monolithic Resonant Piezoelectric Devices for Energy Harvesting Using 3D Printing
by Marcos Duque and Gonzalo Murillo
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(16), 2334; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13162334 - 14 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1019
Abstract
The rapid increase of the Internet of Things (IoT) has led to significant growth in the development of low-power sensors. However; the biggest challenge in the expansion of the IoT is the energy dependency of the sensors. A promising solution that provides power [...] Read more.
The rapid increase of the Internet of Things (IoT) has led to significant growth in the development of low-power sensors. However; the biggest challenge in the expansion of the IoT is the energy dependency of the sensors. A promising solution that provides power autonomy to the IoT sensor nodes is energy harvesting (EH) from ambient sources and its conversion into electricity. Through 3D printing, it is possible to create monolithic harvesters. This reduces costs as it eliminates the need for subsequent assembly tools. Thanks to computer-aided design (CAD), the harvester can be specifically adapted to the environmental conditions of the application. In this work, a piezoelectric resonant energy harvester has been designed, fabricated, and electrically characterized. Physical characterization of the piezoelectric material and the final resonator was also performed. In addition, a study and optimization of the device was carried out using finite element modeling. In terms of electrical characterization, it was determined that the device can achieve a maximum output power of 1.46 mW when operated with an optimal load impedance of 4 MΩ and subjected to an acceleration of 1 G. Finally, a proof-of-concept device was designed and fabricated with the goal of measuring the current passing through a wire. Full article
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14 pages, 3450 KiB  
Article
Research on an Optimized Quarter-Wavelength Resonator-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Efficient Low-Frequency Acoustic Energy Harvesting
by Xiu Xiao, Ling Liu, Ziyue Xi, Hongyong Yu, Wenxiang Li, Qunyi Wang, Cong Zhao, Yue Huang and Minyi Xu
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(10), 1676; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13101676 - 19 May 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1445
Abstract
Sound wave is an extensively existing mechanical wave, especially in marine and industrial plants where low-frequency acoustic waves are ubiquitous. The effective collection and utilization of sound waves provide a fresh new approach to supply power for the distributed nodes of the rapidly [...] Read more.
Sound wave is an extensively existing mechanical wave, especially in marine and industrial plants where low-frequency acoustic waves are ubiquitous. The effective collection and utilization of sound waves provide a fresh new approach to supply power for the distributed nodes of the rapidly developing Internet of Things technology. In this paper, a novel acoustic triboelectric nanogenerator (QWR-TENG) was proposed for efficient low-frequency acoustic energy harvesting. QWR-TENG consisted of a quarter-wavelength resonant tube, a uniformly perforated aluminum film, an FEP membrane, and a conductive carbon nanotube coating. Simulation and experimental studies showed that QWR-TENG has two resonance peaks in the low-frequency range, which effectively extends the response bandwidth of acoustic–electrical conversion. The structural optimized QWR-TENG has excellent electrical output performance, and the maximum output voltage, short-circuit current and transferred charge are 255 V, 67 μA, and 153 nC, respectively, under the acoustic frequency of 90 Hz and sound pressure level of 100 dB. On this basis, a conical energy concentrator was introduced to the entrance of the acoustic tube, and a composite quarter-wavelength resonator-based triboelectric nanogenerator (CQWR-TENG) was designed to further enhance the electrical output. Results showed that the maximum output power and the power density per unit pressure of CQWR-TENG reached 13.47 mW and 2.27 WPa−1m−2, respectively. Application demonstrations indicated that QWR/CQWR-TENG has good capacitor charging performance and is expected to realize power supply for distributed sensor nodes and other small electrical devices. Full article
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8 pages, 1884 KiB  
Communication
Schottky-Diode Design for Future High-Speed Telecommunications
by Chi-Ho Wong, Leung-Yuk Frank Lam, Xijun Hu, Chi-Pong Tsui and Anatoly Fedorovich Zatsepin
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(9), 1448; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13091448 - 24 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1175
Abstract
The impact of 5G communication is expected to be widespread and transformative. It promises to provide faster mobile broadband speeds, lower latency, improved network reliability and capacity, and more efficient use of wireless technologies. The Schottky diode, a BN/GaN layered composite contacting bulk [...] Read more.
The impact of 5G communication is expected to be widespread and transformative. It promises to provide faster mobile broadband speeds, lower latency, improved network reliability and capacity, and more efficient use of wireless technologies. The Schottky diode, a BN/GaN layered composite contacting bulk aluminum, is theoretically plausible to harvest wireless energy above X-band. According to our first principle calculation, the insertion of GaN layers dramatically influences the optical properties of the layered composite. The relative dielectric constant of BN/GaN layered composite as a function of layer-to-layer separation is investigated where the optimized dielectric constant is ~2.5. To push the dielectric constant approaching ~1 for high-speed telecommunication, we upgrade our BN-based Schottky diode via nanostructuring, and we find that the relative dielectric constant of BN monolayer (semiconductor side) can be minimized to ~1.5 only if it is deposited on an aluminum monolayer (metal side). It is rare to find a semiconductor with a dielectric constant close to 1, and our findings may push the cut-off frequency of the Al/BN-based rectenna to the high-band 5G network. Full article
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19 pages, 10730 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Responsivity and Optoelectronic Properties of Self-Powered Solar-Blind Ag2O/β-Ga2O3 Heterojunction-Based Photodetector with Ag:AZO Co-Sputtered Electrode
by Younghwa Yoon, Sangbin Park, Taejun Park, Hyungmin Kim, Kyunghwan Kim and Jeongsoo Hong
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(7), 1287; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13071287 - 06 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1251
Abstract
A Ag:AZO electrode was used as an electrode for a self-powered solar-blind ultraviolet photodetector based on a Ag2O/β-Ga2O3 heterojunction. The Ag:AZO electrode was fabricated by co-sputtering Ag and AZO heterogeneous targets using the structural characteristics of a Facing [...] Read more.
A Ag:AZO electrode was used as an electrode for a self-powered solar-blind ultraviolet photodetector based on a Ag2O/β-Ga2O3 heterojunction. The Ag:AZO electrode was fabricated by co-sputtering Ag and AZO heterogeneous targets using the structural characteristics of a Facing Targets Sputtering (FTS) system with two-facing targets, and the electrical, crystallographic, structural, and optical properties of the fabricated thin film were evaluated. A photodetector was fabricated and evaluated based on the research results that the surface roughness of the electrode can reduce the light energy loss by reducing the scattering and reflectance of incident light energy and improving the trapping phenomenon between interfaces. The thickness of the electrodes was varied from 20 nm to 50 nm depending on the sputtering time. The optoelectronic properties were measured under 254 nm UV-C light, the on/off ratio of the 20 nm Ag:AZO electrode with the lowest surface roughness was 2.01 × 108, and the responsivity and detectivity were 56 mA/W and 6.99 × 1011 Jones, respectively. The Ag2O/β-Ga2O3-based solar-blind photodetector with a newly fabricated top electrode exhibited improved response with self-powered characteristics. Full article
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12 pages, 2803 KiB  
Article
Thermally Deposited Sb2Se3/CdS-Based Solar Cell: Experimental and Theoretical Analysis
by Mamta, Raman Kumari, Chandan Yadav, Rahul Kumar, Kamlesh Kumar Maurya and Vidya Nand Singh
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(6), 1135; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13061135 - 22 Mar 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1597
Abstract
As a promising solar absorber material, antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) has gained popularity. However, a lack of knowledge regarding material and device physics has slowed the rapid growth of Sb2Se3-based devices. This study compares the experimental [...] Read more.
As a promising solar absorber material, antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) has gained popularity. However, a lack of knowledge regarding material and device physics has slowed the rapid growth of Sb2Se3-based devices. This study compares the experimental and computational analysis of the photovoltaic performance of Sb2Se3-/CdS-based solar cells. We construct a specific device that may be produced in any lab using the thermal evaporation technique. Experimentally, efficiency is improved from 0.96% to 1.36% by varying the absorber’s thickness. Experimental information on Sb2Se3, such as the band gap and thickness, is used in the simulation to check the performance of the device after the optimization of various other parameters, including the series and shunt resistance, and a theoretical maximum efficiency of 4.42% is achieved. Further, the device’s efficiency is improved to 11.27% by optimizing the various parameters of the active layer. It thus is demonstrated that the band gap and thickness of active layers strongly affect the overall performance of a photovoltaic device. Full article
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15 pages, 6817 KiB  
Article
Solid-Liquid Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on Vortex-Induced Resonance
by Xiaowei Li, Di Zhang, Dan Zhang, Zhongjie Li, Hao Wu, Yuan Zhou, Biao Wang, Hengyu Guo and Yan Peng
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(6), 1036; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13061036 - 13 Mar 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1580
Abstract
Energy converters based on vortex-induced vibrations (VIV) have shown great potential for harvesting energy from low-velocity flows, which constitute a significant portion of ocean energy. However, solid-solid triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) are not wear-resistant in corrosive environments. Therefore, to effectively harvest ocean energy over [...] Read more.
Energy converters based on vortex-induced vibrations (VIV) have shown great potential for harvesting energy from low-velocity flows, which constitute a significant portion of ocean energy. However, solid-solid triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) are not wear-resistant in corrosive environments. Therefore, to effectively harvest ocean energy over the long term, a novel solid-liquid triboelectric nanogenerator based on vortex-induced resonance (VIV-SL-TENG) is presented. The energy is harvested through the resonance between VIV of a cylinder and the relative motions of solid-liquid friction pairs inside the cylinder. The factors that affect the output performance of the system, including the liquid mass ratio and the deflection angle of the friction plates, are studied and optimized by establishing mathematical models and conducting computational fluid dynamics simulations. Furthermore, an experimental platform for the VIV-SL-TENG system is constructed to test and validate the performance of the harvester under different conditions. The experiments demonstrate that the energy harvester can successfully convert VIV energy into electrical energy and reach maximum output voltage in the resonance state. As a new type of energy harvester, the presented design shows a promising potential in the field of ‘blue energy’ harvesting. Full article
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13 pages, 4595 KiB  
Article
Highly Efficient and Stable Self-Powered Perovskite Photodiode by Cathode-Side Interfacial Passivation with Poly(Methyl Methacrylate)
by Wonsun Kim, JaeWoo Park, Yushika Aggarwal, Shital Sharma, Eun Ha Choi and Byoungchoo Park
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(3), 619; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13030619 - 03 Feb 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1854
Abstract
For several years now, organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite materials have shown remarkable progress in the field of opto-electronic devices. Herein, we introduce a cathode-side passivation layer of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) for a highly efficient and stable self-powered CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite-based [...] Read more.
For several years now, organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite materials have shown remarkable progress in the field of opto-electronic devices. Herein, we introduce a cathode-side passivation layer of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) for a highly efficient and stable self-powered CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite-based photodiode. For effective noise–current suppression, the PMMA passivation layer was employed between a light-absorbing layer of CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) perovskite and an electron transport layer of [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester. Due to its passivation effect on defects in perovskite film, the PMMA passivation layer can effectively suppress interface recombination and reduce the leakage/noise current. Without external bias, the MAPbI3 photodiode with the PMMA layer demonstrated a significantly high specific detectivity value (~1.07 × 1012 Jones) compared to that of a conventional MAPbI3 photodiode without a PMMA layer. Along with the enhanced specific detectivity, a wide linear dynamic response (~127 dB) with rapid rise (~50 μs) and decay (~17 μs) response times was obtained. Furthermore, highly durable dynamic responses of the PMMA-passivated MAPbI3 photodiode were observed even after a long storage time of 500 h. The results achieved with the cathode-side PMMA-passivated perovskite photodiodes represent a new means by which to realize highly sensitive and stable self-powered photodiodes for use in developing novel opto-electronic devices. Full article
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11 pages, 4162 KiB  
Article
Measurement of Slips at Contact Interfaces Using a Self-Powered Sensor Based on Triboelectric Nanogenerators
by Wangjia Zhao, Wenjie Qin, Mingsen Ba and Yu Sun
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(19), 3510; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12193510 - 07 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1447
Abstract
The accumulation of tangential small slips at contact interfaces may occur in mechanical assemblies when subjected to cyclic loadings, and cause failure of parts. However, the slip is difficult to measure directly. In this paper, a self-powered displacement sensor based on triboelectric nanogenerator [...] Read more.
The accumulation of tangential small slips at contact interfaces may occur in mechanical assemblies when subjected to cyclic loadings, and cause failure of parts. However, the slip is difficult to measure directly. In this paper, a self-powered displacement sensor based on triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is fabricated, which is used to measure the microslip of the specimen in the designed test bench. When the specimen slips under the cyclic tangential load with a frequency of 10 Hz, the resulted average slip displacement of the specimen under a single load cycle is 9.01 μm, which is measured by the Keithley DAQ 6510 multimeter (Tektronix, Shanghai, China). This value is close to that measured by the Keithley 6514 electrometer. In addition, adding a BaTiO3 thin film with a thickness of 100 nm between the Kapton triboelectric layer and the Cu electrode, the output voltage of the sensor is increased by 51.5%. Thus, the sensitivity of the self-powered sensor is improved effectively. Full article
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

35 pages, 17592 KiB  
Review
Triboelectric and Piezoelectric Nanogenerators for Self-Powered Healthcare Monitoring Devices: Operating Principles, Challenges, and Perspectives
by Enrique Delgado-Alvarado, Jaime Martínez-Castillo, Luis Zamora-Peredo, Jose Amir Gonzalez-Calderon, Ricardo López-Esparza, Muhammad Waseem Ashraf, Shahzadi Tayyaba and Agustín L. Herrera-May
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(24), 4403; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12244403 - 09 Dec 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3290
Abstract
The internet of medical things (IoMT) is used for the acquisition, processing, transmission, and storage of medical data of patients. The medical information of each patient can be monitored by hospitals, family members, or medical centers, providing real-time data on the health condition [...] Read more.
The internet of medical things (IoMT) is used for the acquisition, processing, transmission, and storage of medical data of patients. The medical information of each patient can be monitored by hospitals, family members, or medical centers, providing real-time data on the health condition of patients. However, the IoMT requires monitoring healthcare devices with features such as being lightweight, having a long lifetime, wearability, flexibility, safe behavior, and a stable electrical performance. For the continuous monitoring of the medical signals of patients, these devices need energy sources with a long lifetime and stable response. For this challenge, conventional batteries have disadvantages due to their limited-service time, considerable weight, and toxic materials. A replacement alternative to conventional batteries can be achieved for piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators. These nanogenerators can convert green energy from various environmental sources (e.g., biomechanical energy, wind, and mechanical vibrations) into electrical energy. Generally, these nanogenerators have simple transduction mechanisms, uncomplicated manufacturing processes, are lightweight, have a long lifetime, and provide high output electrical performance. Thus, the piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators could power future medical devices that monitor and process vital signs of patients. Herein, we review the working principle, materials, fabrication processes, and signal processing components of piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators with potential medical applications. In addition, we discuss the main components and output electrical performance of various nanogenerators applied to the medical sector. Finally, the challenges and perspectives of the design, materials and fabrication process, signal processing, and reliability of nanogenerators are included. Full article
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