Publications

The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), a unique technology for harvesting ambient mechanical energy based on the triboelectric effect, has been proven to be a cost-effective, simple, and robust approach for self-powered systems. However, a general challenge is that the output current is usually low. Here, we demonstrated a rationally designed TENG with integrated rhombic gridding, which greatly improved the total current output owing to the structurally multiplied unit cells connected in parallel. With the hybridization of both the contact-separation mode and sliding electrification mode among nanowire arrays and nanopores fabricated onto the surfaces of two contact plates, the newly designed TENG produces an open-circuit voltage up to 428 V, and a short-circuit current of 1.395 mA with the peak power density of 30.7 W/m(2). Relying on the TENG, a self-powered backpack was developed with a vibration-to-electric energy conversion efficiency up to 10.62(±1.19) %. And it was also demonstrated as a direct power source for instantaneously lighting 40 commercial light-emitting diodes by harvesting the vibration energy from natural human walking. The newly designed TENG can be a mobile power source for field engineers, explorers, and disaster-relief workers.

The increasing needs to power trillions of sensors and devices for the Internet of Things require effective technology to harvest small-scale energy from renewable natural resources. As a new energy technology, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) can harvest ambient mechanical energy and convert it into electricity for powering small electronic devices continuously. In this chapter, the fundamental working mechanism and fundamental modes of a TENG will be presented. It can harvest all kinds of mechanical energy, especially at low frequencies, such as human motion, walking, vibration, mechanical triggering, rotating tire, wind, moving automobile, flowing water, rain drops, ocean waves, and so on. Such variety of energy harvesting methods promises TENG as a new approach for small-scale energy harvesting.

We summarise for the first time the development and microscopic mechanisms of DC-TENGs based on the tribovoltaic effect, which is of great significance for designing high-performance devices and advancing future energy-harvesting technology.

'Polarization-Induced Effects in Heterostructures' published in 'Encyclopedia of Nanotechnology'

Abstract Sustainable and cost‐effective energy generation has become crucial for fulfilling present energy requirements. For this purpose, the development of cheap, scalable, efficient, and reliable catalysts is essential. Carbon‐based heteroatom‐doped, 3D, and mesoporous electrodes are very promising as catalysts for electrochemical energy conversion and storage. Various carbon allotropes doped with a variety of heteroatoms can be utilized for cost‐effective mass production of electrode materials. 3D porous carbon electrodes provide multiple advantages, such as large surface area, maximized exposure to active sites, 3D conductive pathways for efficient electron transport, and porous channels to facilitate electrolyte diffusion. However, it is challenging to synthesize and functionalize isotropic 3D carbon structures. Here, various synthesis processes of 3D porous carbon materials are summarized to understand how their physical and chemical properties together with heteroatom doping dictate the electrochemical catalytic performance. Prospects of attractive 3D carbon structural materials for energy conversion and efficient integrated energy systems are also discussed.

Senkrecht auf einer Oberfläche angebrachte Kohlenstoff-Nanoröhren werden als Elektroden für die Bildung leitfähiger Polymer-Kohlenstoff-Nanoröhren (Nanodrähte) verwendet. Die SEM-Aufnahme (siehe Bild) zeigt die Entstehung der Nanodrähte durch Abscheiden des leitfähigen Polymerfilms auf den teilweise in die Elektrolytlösung eintauchenden Nanoröhren.

With the development of the Internet of Things, there is an increasing need for clean energy and large‐scale sensory systems. Triboelectric/piezoelectric nanogenerators (TENGs/PENGs), have attracted considerable attention as a new type of power generation terminal, which can harvest surrounding energy and convert it into electrical energy. To improve the output performance of nanogenerators (NGs) and diversify related applications, 2D materials with high carrier mobility and excellent piezoelectric properties can be directly used or integrated as different types of self‐powered sensors. In this review, the authors first introduce the excellent piezoelectric and optoelectronic properties of 2D materials, followed by the triboelectric series of 2D materials used in TENGs. The categories of integrated self‐powered sensors based on 2D materials are then summarized according to their different structures and compositions. We also discuss in detail the recent applications of integrated self‐powered sensors based on 2D materials from five aspects. Finally, the challenges and outlooks in the research field of self‐powered sensors are featured. Given the continuous development of self‐powered sensors based on 2D materials, they are considered to have significant potential for applications in biomedicine, environmental detection, human motion monitoring, energy harvesting, and smart wearable devices.

Elektrisierend: Ein faserbasierter Hybridnanogenerator für die simultane oder unabhängige Umwandlung von mechanischer und biochemischer Energie wird vorgestellt. Das System besteht aus einem Nanogenerator (FNG) und einer Biobrennstoffzelle (FBFC) und erzeugt Spitzenspannungen von 3.1 V und Ströme von 200 nA. Es dient außerdem als selbstangetriebener Sensor zur Messung von Druckänderungen. Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as ”Supporting Information”. Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by 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.