Publications

A flexible triboelectric nanogenerator (FTENG) based on wavy-structured Kapton film and a serpentine electrode on stretchable substrates is presented. The as-fabricated FTENG is capable of harvesting ambient mechanical energy via both compressive and stretching modes. Moreover, the FTENG can be a bendable power source to work on curved surfaces; it can also be adaptively attached onto human skin for monitoring gentle body motions.

Abstract In recent years, liquid–solid triboelectric nanogenerator (LSTENG) has attracted great attention. However, its low average power density and long charging time limit the practical application of this technique. Here, for the first time, a liquid–solid triboelectric nanogenerator combined with external charge‐pumping method (ECP‐LSTENG) is proposed. Compared to traditional LSTENGs, a charge storage capacitor is added in this ECP‐LSTENG to store the output charges from the pumping generator. Then, a charge extraction capacitor is formed by the spreading and shrinking processes of falling droplet, while the charging and discharging process between charge storage and extraction capacitors can generate displacement current output for external circuit. Meanwhile, it is found that a special charged droplets adhesion phenomenon happens at the liquid–solid interface, which seriously hinders the continuous output of ECP‐LSTENG. To overcome this limitation, a special coaxial deceleration commutation component is designed to ensure continuous output of the ECP‐LSTENG. Finally, the peak power density of a droplet (50 µL) reaches 231.8 W m −2 , surpassing the highest research record to date by 1.43 times. This ECP‐LSTENG provides a different approach for the future development of large‐scale integrated raindrop generators for efficient raindrop energy harvesting.

The marine internet of things (MIoT), an increasingly important foundation for ocean development and protection, consists of a variety of marine distributed sensors under water. These sensors of the MIoT have always been highly dependent on batteries. To realize in situ power supply, a flexible seaweed-like triboelectric nanogenerator (S-TENG) capable of harvesting wave energy is proposed in this study. The flexible structure, designed with inspiration from the seaweed structure, processes extensive marine application scenarios. The bending and recovering of the S-TENG structure under wave excitations are converted to electricity. As the output performance increases with the number of parallel connected S-TENG units, an S-TENG system with multiple units could serve for floating buoys, coastal power stations, and even submerged devices. Through the demonstration experiments performed in this study, the flexible, low-cost S-TENG could become an effective approach to achieve a battery independent MIoT.

Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), operating via four-electron (H₂O) or two-electron (H₂O₂) pathways, underpins critical processes in energy conversion and biological metabolism. Solid-liquid contact electrification enables 2e^- ORR for both pollutant oxidation degradation and metal reduction without external metal catalysts. However, the criteria dictating oxidation versus reduction in such Janus contact-electro-chemistry (CE-Chemistry) systems remain unclear. This study systematically demonstrates that the redox selectivity in CE-Chemistry is controlled by the standard electrode potential (SEP) of the reactants, with a clear threshold distinguishing the oxidation and reduction pathways. Reduction of metal ions (e.g., [AuCl₄]^-, Pd²⁺, [PtCl₄]^2- Ag⁺, Rh³⁺, and Ir³⁺) was achieved when their SEPs lie between the 2e^- ORR (<i>E</i>⁰ = 0.695 V vs NHE) and the 4e^- ORR (<i>E</i>⁰ = 1.229 V vs NHE). Conversely, SEPs below the 2e^- ORR threshold favored oxidation (e.g., ferrocyanide). For the first time, methanol-to-formaldehyde oxidation was achieved in both aqueous and nonaqueous CE-Chemistry. Remarkably, the formaldehyde production rate in dimethyl sulfoxide was 25 times higher than in aqueous systems, which has already surpassed some photocatalytic processes. This study provides a comprehensive mechanistic framework for CE-Chemistry, highlighting the pivotal role of SEPs in regulating its Janus redox properties and the tunable radical reactivity in nonaqueous environments.

Junctions are the fundamental elements of semiconductor devices, which are crucial for advancements in modern technology. However, most junctions involve static solid interfaces. Here, we studied a dynamic Schottky-like junction formed at a semiconductor–water interface, referred to as a semiconductor–water junction (SWJ), under mechanical stimulation. We found that owing to the band bending at the junction, electrons can be transferred from water molecules to p-type silicon and captured by the dissolved oxygen molecules in water periodically, resulting in abundant free radicals and catalytic capacity for degrading pollution such as methyl orange. We demonstrated that contact-electro-catalysis is the underlying mechanism, and it can be applied to various SWJs. Furthermore, by replacing water with methanol aqueous solution, hydrogen can be catalytically produced with low energy consumption. We anticipate that SWJ-stimulated contact-electro-catalysis will provide a new space for innovative catalytic strategies in the future.

Review question / Objective: Major depression disorder (MDD) is a severe health threat characterized by persistent depression, loss of interests, lack of initiative, and even suicidal tendencies.Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is well tolerated and effective in treating adult MDD.However, research on the evaluation of efficacy and acceptability of different TCM strategies for adult MDD is insufficient.Consequently, it is high time to evaluate the efficacy of TCM strategies for adult MDD.Meanwhile, the acceptability of different TCM strategies is worth exploring.

Abstract With the development of engineered nanomaterials and nanomedicines, utilization of nanomaterials to generate excessive reactive oxygen species under exogenous ultrasound (US) irradiation for realizing disease therapy, namely sonodynamic therapy (SDT), has attracted widespread attention. Compared with traditional photodynamic therapy, US shows deeper tissue penetration to reach deep‐seated location. However, the development of high‐efficiency sonosensitizers remains one of the gravest challenges in current related research and future clinical application. Latterly, benefiting from the piezotronic and piezo‐phototronic effects, novel sonosensitizers based on piezoelectric semiconductor (PS) nanomaterials have exhibited inspiring application prospects in SDT. In this review, we outline the structures and physicochemical properties of PS nanomaterials that has potential applications in SDT, and introduce the presumed mechanisms of PS nanomaterials in SDT. Then, the latest research progress of PS nanomaterials as sonosensitizers in cancer therapy and antibacterial applications are summarized. Finally, the existing challenges and future development trends in this field are prospected.

A fundamentally new working principle into the field of self-powered heavy-metal-ion detection and removal using the triboelectrification effect is introduced. The as-developed tribo-nanosensors can selectively detect common heavy metal ions. The water-driven triboelectric nanogenerator is taken as a sustainable power source for heavy-metal-ion removal by recycling the kinetic energy from flowing wastewater. As a service to our authors and readers, this journal provides supporting information supplied by the authors. Such materials are peer reviewed and may be re-organized for online delivery, but are not copy-edited or typeset. Technical support issues arising from supporting information (other than missing files) should be addressed to the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.

A new membrane‐based triboelectric sensor (M‐TES) is presented as a self‐powered pressure change sensor. It generates a voltage induced by surface triboelectric charges in response to an air pressure change. Extremely high detection resolutions of 0.34 Pa and 0.16 Pa are achieved when the air pressure increases and decreases in a small region away from the ambient standard atmosphere pressure, respectively, indicating an excellent sensitivity. By integrating the M‐TES with a signal processing unit, we demonstrate practical applications of the device in sensing footsteps, respirations, and heartbeat, which suggests widespread use of the M‐TES in fields of security surveillance, chemical engineering, geography research, environment monitoring, and personal healthcare.

With the rapid development of the internet of things, sensors play an increasingly critical role in the measurement of force, temperature, and light. In article number 1807618, Kailiang Ren, Zhong Lin Wang, and co-workers propose a self-powered pressure sensor based on an electret nanogenerator. This device holds great promise for use in future tactile sensors and artificial skin applications.

<strong>Improved pharmacodynamics of epidermal growth factor via microneedles-based self-powered transcutaneous electrical stimulation </strong>