Synergistic energy conversion: triboelectric hybrid approaches for sustainable self-powered sensors and systems

Abstract

The usage of smart electronic devices is increasing rapidly, and a portable power source is in high demand. Also, smart devices require continuous power supply, in which batteries play a major role. However, batteries have the distinct disadvantages such as limited lifetime, frequent recharging, heating over usage and made of materials are potentially hazardous to the environment. To overcome these problems, nanogenerators were invented, which can power low-power electronics using ambient mechanical energy. Single energy harvesting systems (nanogenerators) produces limited electrical output which is insufficient to operate or powering the autonomus IoTs systems. To tackle this issues, hybrid systems were introduced by coupling two or more nanogenerator devices, which works synergistically to generate a high electrical output, and eventually favours wide-ranging applications. This review mainly focuses on various hybrid nanogenerators such as triboelectric–piezoelectric (TENG–PENG), triboelectric–electromagnetic (TENG–EMG), triboelectric–magneto-mechano-electric (TENG–MME), triboelectric–pyroelectric (TENG–Pyro), triboelectric–solar (TENG–Solar), and triboelectric–thermoelectric (TENG–Thermo) nanogenerators and their applications. The TENG–PENG device design involves the synthesis of novel perovskite-based piezoelectric nanomaterials, blended with polymers to fabricate a composite film that is subsequently used as the active layer in TENG–PENG nanogenerators. The TENG–EMG devices involve designing hybrid generators in such a way that the device operates in a similar direction in which the TENG and EMG components act synergistically. The TENG–MME hybrid devices work on the principle of conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy. The MME mechanism involves the production of electrical energy from electromagnetic induction. The TENG–Thermo hybrid device works based on the triboelectric effect and heat. The TENG–Pyro device works based on the triboelectric effect and pyro electric effect; the pyro electric effect converts thermal energy into electrical energy. The TENG–Solar hybrid device works based on the triboelectric effect and sunlight, and it converts light energy into electricity. In addition, the application of these devices covers self-powered sensors and systems such as flexion extension devices, air pressure monitoring devices, impact sensors, body activity counters, position trackers, fishing net trackers, rain drop energy harvesting systems, wind energy harvesting systems, water wave energy harvesting systems and oil spill detection devices. The development of these hybrid nanogenerators would potentially pave the way towards smart devices and smart systems in the future.