Energy autonomous paper modules and functional circuits

Abstract

Energy-efficient intelligent systems incorporating modern electronics, circuits, and power sources have rapidly become inseparable for a wide range of applications. Here, we propose a prototype of energy autonomous functional paper modules, which comprise triboelectric energy harvester, power management circuits (PMCs), energy storage units, and back-end functional circuits. Each of the paper modules has its specific function and can be used individually, incorporated, or replaced/selected depending on different circumstances. The fabricated paper modules are ready to convert mechanical energy into electricity through the paper-based triboelectric nanogenerator (paper-TENG) unit; the converted AC output can be delivered to the PMC paper module and regulated into DC output to improve the charging efficiency for energy storage units; the stored electrochemical energy can be successfully used to drive the back-end module of functional circuits (including flowing LEDs, temperature/humidity sensors, and wireless transmitters). The working process of the sustainable paper modules implies an energy circulation of mechanical energy conversion, electrochemical energy storage, and energy utilization in functional circuits (in the form of photonic, thermal, electromagnetic, or mechanical energy). The proposed energy-autonomous functional paper modules present new paradigm for sustainable and adaptive functional circuits to extend the broader path toward efficient, economical, and customized integrative electronics and complementary self-powered systems.