A human locomotion inspired hybrid nanogenerator for wrist-wearable electronic device and sensor applications

Maharjan, P.,Toyabur, R.M.,Park, J.Y. Elsevier 2018 Nano energy Vol.46 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The availability of realistic, wearable efficient energy harvesters for powering body-worn IoT devices and health monitoring sensors is essential, in order to reduce the dependence of these wearable electronic devices, on batteries. Herein, we demonstrate a novel curve-shaped wearable hybridized electromagnetic-triboelectric nanogenerator (WHEM-TENG), operating as a fully-enclosed light-weight low-frequency energy harvester, driven by human motion. The WHEM-TENG incorporates the swinging behavior of a human arm during locomotion, and the freestanding rolling mode of a magnetic ball. Simulations of the magnetic flux density and the triboelectric surface potential assisted in improving the design and performance of the nanogenerator. The harvester device was manufactured using a 3D-printing method, which makes the fabrication process faster, easier, and more cost-effective than traditional methods. The 3D-printing material was used as triboelectric material for the nanogenerator. Experiments illustrate that at the low input frequencies characteristic of walking and running, the electromagnetic generator (EMG) and triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) deliver peak power densities of 5.14 mW/cm<SUP>3</SUP> and 0.22 µW/cm<SUP>3</SUP>, across load resistances of 49.2 Ω and 13.9 MΩ, respectively. Moreover, we also demonstrate that the WHEM-TENG can drive a commercially available electric wrist-watch continuously for 410 s from the power generated by just 5 s of running activity. Also, we demonstrate a self-powered heart-rate sensor driven by the nanogenerator. The electrical output of this distinctively structured device is promising for optimization of similar hybrid wearable energy harvesters, and for practical applications, towards the development of self-powered wearable smart bands/watches and fitness/health monitoring sensors.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Human locomotion inspired novel curve-shape design is introduced as nanogenerator. </LI> <LI> Low frequency driven, light weight, fully enclosed and wrist-wearable generator. </LI> <LI> The 3d-printing method and material were used for fabrication of the nanogenerator. </LI> <LI> Converting human arm-motion energy into electrical energy to power wearable devices. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Versatile nanodot-patterned Gore-Tex fabric for multiple energy harvesting in wearable and aerodynamic nanogenerators

Kim, Taewoo,Jeon, Sangheon,Lone, Saifullah,Doh, Song Jun,Shin, Dong-Myeong,Kim, Hyung Kook,Hwang, Yoon-Hwae,Hong, Suck Won Elsevier 2018 Nano energy Vol.54 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The ongoing expedition to harvest ambient renewable energies from the environment by wearable fabric-based nanogenerators is a promising route to sustainably drive the small electronics with unprecedented opportunities in next-generation self-powered devices. Here, we report a simple method to fabricate a washable, breathable and wearable triboelectric nanogenerator that harvests the energy of triboelectricity through an enhanced friction surface area made of the gold nanodot-pattern crafted by electron-beam sputtering on an inexpensive polyurethane surface. The gold deposition which crops-up as regular small islands, under oxygen plasma is subsequently, etched into nanodot-pattern on a polyurethane surface to convert mechanical energy into an electrical signal via in-plane sliding mode with a maximum output of ~2 μW. The nanodot engineering plays an important role to improve the active sliding frictional area, as well as the corresponding output-performance of the triboelectric nanogenerator. To demonstrate the potential applications of our approach, we designed a self-powered wearable device integrated with clothes to harvest different kinds of mechanical energies from the human motion. To elevate the power output-performance, we fabricated waterproof fiber with flutter membrane and quantified triboelectric charge against airflow speed. At mild wind speed, the fabricated triboelectric nanogenerator shows a maximum output of 70 µW. Besides, as an example of practical application, the nanogenerator constructed can produce an improved capacitor charge voltage to drive dozens of light-emitting diodes and apply them to low power consumption devices. This technology is produced in a simple and cost-effective manner and reports an easy way to produce an energy harvesting system based on triboelectric effects using a sustainable and renewable energy source of body motions and air flows. This system is expected to be one of the best green energy sources for portable and wearable electronic devices in the near future.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> The harvest of the triboelectric energy is accomplished by increasing the surface area through nanodot-patterned arrays formed on a woven fabric surface. </LI> <LI> Wearable triboelectric nanogenerators for a self-powered energy-supply by attaching it onto sportswear to harvest the energy, collected from the motion of the human body. </LI> <LI> Adapting a textile-based fluttering membrane to synergistically combine aerodynamic movement enables dramatic improvements in the electrical output of the triboelectric nanogenerator. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Hand clapping inspired integrated multilayer hybrid nanogenerator as a wearable and universal power source for portable electronics

Rasel, M. Salauddin,Maharjan, Pukar,Park, Jae Yeong Elsevier 2019 Nano energy Vol.63 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>We report a human skin-based wearable and hybrid triboelectric-piezoelectric nanogenerator (HTEPENG) for harvesting biomechanical energy from hand clapping to eliminate the need for batteries to drive portable electronic devices. Through smart integration of polyimide encapsulated polarized polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film between two nanopillar polydimethylsiloxane (n-PDMS) films, the hybrid nanogenerator can produce two triboelectric outputs and one piezoelectric output simultaneously upon a single clap. The output performances of the HTEPENG have been optimized through systematic analysis and experimental validation of the surface morphology and coupling effect of interfacing materials. The as-fabricated HTEPENG device delivers a peak power density of 3.7 W/m<SUP>2</SUP> at a matched resistance of 23.08 MΩ. After the use of a custom-designed power conversion and management system (PCMS), the nanogenerator was able to drive a commercial pedometer and successfully recharged a trimmer, pocket Wi-Fi router, and smartphone individually, which might speed up commercialization of the wearable nanogenerators. Furthermore, the HTEPENG possesses a unique characteristic of modulated multi-level outputs, which has the potential to bring extensive application prospects in the field of logic devices, power supply, prosthetics, antistatic protection, and self-powered sensor networks. Even though clapping is a natural human activity to applaud somebody which is very common in many environments like a concert, theatre, and stadium, it is also well known to improve the overall human health by improving the blood circulation to various organs. Thereby, other than serving as a universal power source, the proposed hybrid nanogenerator can promote additional health benefit for the human.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Hand clapping inspired biomechanical energy harvesting from skin-contact is reported. </LI> <LI> Charge compensation problem of conventional multilayer nanogenerators is solved. </LI> <LI> The concept of multi-level outputs of the nanogenerator is newly established. </LI> <LI> The output performance of the hybrid nanogenerator is optimized systematically. </LI> <LI> A power management circuit is introduced for powering portable electronics. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Ingenious use of natural triboelectrification on the human body for versatile applications in walking energy harvesting and body action monitoring

Park, Jae Hyeon,Wu, Chaoxing,Sung, Sihyun,Kim, Tae Whan Elsevier 2019 Nano energy Vol.57 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Harvesting walking energy to generate sustainable power is critical for the development of portable and wearable electronics. Here, we demonstrate that by ingeniously taking advantage of natural triboelectrification and static charges on the human body, electric energy can be generated from our walking without the use of a specially designed shoe/sole or triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). The triboelectric system is composed of only Al electrodes, which makes it compatible with wearables due to its lightweight and flexibility. The electricity generated from every step during walking is sufficient to light up 100 commercial light-emitting diodes (LEDs) instantaneously. Furthermore, the simple system can act as a self-powered active sensor for monitoring our gait during walking, our health, and security. The triboelectric system is ultra-simple, lightweight, eco-friendly, and low-cost, which gives it potential for application in attachable electronics as a sustainable power source and a self-powered sensor.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> The triboelectric system based on static charges on human body is demonstrated. </LI> <LI> The triboelectric system is ultra-simple with component of only Al electrodes. </LI> <LI> The triboelectric system is compatible with wearables. </LI> <LI> The triboelectric system can be used for walking energy harvesting. </LI> <LI> The triboelectric system can act as a self-powered active sensor. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Graphene-based stretchable/wearable self-powered touch sensor

Lee, Yongjun,Kim, Jejung,Jang, Bongkyun,Kim, Seokhyun,Sharma, Bhupendra K.,Kim, Jae-Hyun,Ahn, Jong-Hyun Elsevier 2019 Nano energy Vol.62 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Wearable electronic devices have become familiar to people and have been expanded to various functions via development in the field of the flexible and stretchable electronic devices. These wearable devices, such as displays, motion sensors, electromyography sensors, and electrocardiogram sensors, require input and power systems to command information and supply energy, respectively. The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has attracted attention as an eco-friendly device that provides sustainable power without an external power supply. Here, we report a self-powered stretchable TENG (S-TENG) touch sensor suitable for a wearable device that adapts to the skin's motion because of its stretchability. The S-TENG with a single-electrode structure was fabricated using atomically thin graphene (<1 nm), polyethylene terephthalate (∼5 μm), and polydimethylsiloxane (∼5 μm) as the electrode, substrate, and electrification layer, respectively. The stretchability was realized through an auxetic mesh design, which helps to obtain stable mechanical and electrical properties while stretching. The S-TENG touch sensor not only senses the touch point but can also perform improved extended functions such as detection of touch sliding velocity and information input through the trajectory mode. The developed S-TENG touch sensor showed good potential for future wearable input applications and is capable of long-term performance without an energy supply.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Atomically thin graphene with auxetic mesh design allows conformal contact with the skin. </LI> <LI> Stable mechanical and electrical performance of auxetic structure when stretched. </LI> <LI> Enhancement of triboelectric effect via consecutive plasma treatment. </LI> <LI> Stretchable/wearable self-powered touch sensor and communication system on human skin. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Simply Structured Wearable Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on a Hybrid Composition of Carbon Nanotubes and Polymer Layer

Meng Su,Juergen Brugger,Beomjoon Kim 한국정밀공학회 2020 International Journal of Precision Engineering and Vol.7 No.3

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have proven to be a robust power source for effi ciently converting environmental mechanical energy into electricity. Triboelectric technology experienced substantial growth in the past few years, especially in the fi eld of green wearable power sources as the Internet of Things develops. However, it is still diffi cult to overcome some remaining bottlenecks for wearable TENGs, such as limited choice of materials, unsafe metal electrodes, complex structures, and fi nally an insuffi cient electrical output. In this work, we present a simply structured wearable TENG that delivers usable electric power based on human motion. The form of TENG, which combines a friction material of silk and an electrode material of carbon nanotube (CNT) in liquid phase to achieve a biodegradable conductive mixing friction layer is new and unique. A series of delicate investigative experiments were conducted to clarify the impacts of various parameters and their optimal values in the fabrication. Then the special mixing layer was attached to a glove and tested with various daily actions, showing high potential as a power source for wearable electronics and as a motion sensor itself. This new form of CNT-silk TENG will push the fi eld’s development toward actual use, with lower cost and less burden for both of production and usage, with the advanced features of high softness, high sensibility, light weight, and simple structure.

A fully enclosed, 3D printed, hybridized nanogenerator with flexible flux concentrator for harvesting diverse human biomechanical energy

Maharjan, Pukar,Cho, Hyunok,Rasel, M. Salauddin,Salauddin, Md.,Park, Jae Yeong Elsevier 2018 Nano energy Vol.53 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Human body motion is highly regarded as a promising source of energy for powering body-worn electronic devices and health monitoring sensors. Transforming the human biomechanical energy into an electrical energy provides a sustainable energy to drive those devices and sensors, reducing their battery dependency. This work presents a fully-enclosed wrist-wearable hybridized electromagnetic-triboelectric nanogenerator (FEHN) for effectively scavenging energy from the low-frequency natural human wrist-motion (≤ 5 Hz). The FEHN incorporates the rolling electrostatic induction and electromagnetic induction using a freely moving magnetic ball inside a hollow circular tube. The materials used in 3D printing technology are used as energy harvesting material for easy, quick and worthwhile fabrication of the FEHN. A thin flexible flux concentrating material is introduced to increase the emf and enhances the electromagnetic output performance. The FEHN can harvest energy under the diverse circumstances and irregular wrist-motions, such as swinging, waving, shaking, etc. Following the experiments, the FEHN achieves an average power density of 0.118 mW cm<SUP>−3</SUP> and can drive a commercial wrist-watch continuously for more than 23 min from just 5 s of wrist motion. This successful demonstration renders an effective approach for scavenging wasted biomechanical energy and provides a promising solution towards the development of sustainable power supply for wearable electronic devices and self-powered healthcare monitoring sensors.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> A fully enclosed, 3D printed and hybridized nanogenerator, isolated from external environment is newly developed </LI> <LI> Sustainable nanogenerator for powering body-worn wearable electronic devices and healthcare monitoring sensors. </LI> <LI> Highly capable of harvesting energy from diverse wrist motions such as swinging, waving, shaking, twisting, etc. </LI> <LI> A flexible FeSiCr/PDMS composite based flux concentrator around the copper coil is applied to increase the induced emf. </LI> <LI> 5 s of wrist motion is enough to power a commercial electronic wrist-watch for more than 23 min continuously. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

아세틸 트라이뷰틸 구연산 가소제를 이용한 PVC 겔 기반 마찰전기 나노발전기 개발

박도혜,박효식,이주혁 한국전기전자재료학회 2023 전기전자재료학회논문지 Vol.36 No.1

A triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, and has been considered as a substitute for continuous power supply due to its high performance, simple structure and eco-friendliness. Recently, it is important to develop a TENG using a non-toxic material in order to use it as a power source for wearable, attachable, and body-embeddable electronics. Here, we developed a human friendly TENG using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) gel containing acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC), a non-toxic plasticizer. PVC gels were fabricated using various ratios of PVC and ATBC, and optimized by investigating dielectric properties, surface potential, output performance, and durability. The PVC gel based TENG generates output signals of 73 V and 4.3 μA, i.e., a 5-fold enhancement in the output power compared to pristine PVC-based TENG. In addition, the PVC gel can be stretched over 500% of strain. This study is expected to be helpful in the future development of non-toxic wearable TENG.

Self-powered wearable keyboard with fabric based triboelectric nanogenerator

Jeon, Seung-Bae,Park, Sang-Jae,Kim, Weon-Guk,Tcho, Il-Woong,Jin, Ik-Kyeong,Han, Joon-Kyu,Kim, Daewon,Choi, Yang-Kyu Elsevier 2018 Nano energy Vol.53 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>In Internet of Things (IoT) era, electronic textiles (E-textiles), which combine various functional devices on a fabric, have attracted attention. Among various components for E-textiles, the human-machine interface device, for example, a keyboard, is one of the most important parts. The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) can be a powerful sensing component for the interface device due to its cost-effectiveness, design flexibility and self-powered operation. Previous studies reported fabric-based sensor devices with TENG, but as yet, no device that harnesses commercial compatibility with the textile industry has been reported. It is timely to explore a low-cost TENG-based keyboard made completely of commercial fabric for early commercialization. This paper proposes a TENG-based wearable keyboard that uses only cheap commercial fabrics. Each cell in the proposed keyboard generates electrical signals according to an external touch without any power supply. After an appropriate filtering process, the proposed keyboard can detect a key stroke without any ambiguity. We verify the keyboard operation by typing a word and playing music. The material dependency of the proposed keyboard is experimentally validated with various material pairs. Finally, the endurance of the proposed keyboard against folding, repeated touches and washing is experimentally confirmed for actual applications in a real environment.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> A self-powered wearable keyboard was demonstrated using a fabric-based TENG array. </LI> <LI> Only cheap commercialized fabrics were employed for the general usage. </LI> <LI> External contact material-irrelevant characteristic was experimentally verified. </LI> <LI> Endurance against to harsh conditions including folding and washing, was validated. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Hybrid Piezo-Triboelectric Nanogenerator with Liquid Metal-Zn Particle Composites Electrode for Wearable Energy Harvesting

( Wei Yuwen ),박성준 한국공업화학회 2022 한국공업화학회 연구논문 초록집 Vol.2022 No.1