Add company into catalog:

A new type of electronic devices using Triboelectric Nanogenerators

Intelligent devices will be able to use humans as a source of energy. In living systems, energy is located in the form of potentials that are distributed across the lipid bilayer. These are the basic building block of all cell membranes. Triboelectric nanogenerators have the ability to capture not only movement, but also energy from wind, waves or vibration of machines. This is the triboelectric phenomenon. Charging occurs when certain materials acquire an electrical charge after contact with another material.

A well-known example is static electricity, which is mostly triboelectric. Triboelectric Nanogen Generator (TENG) works with a special electrode that converts mechanical energy from finger bending and other simple body movements to electricity.

TENG power transfer equation

Advanced Technology Institute (ATI) experts give a guide on how to develop the most efficient energy harvesters. Experts are introducing the term "TENG power transfer equation" and "TENG impedance plots." These are specific tools to help improve the construction of triboelectric nanogenerators. Professor Ravi Silva, director of ATI, says that “A world with energy that is free and renewable is something we are extremely passionate about here at ATI (and the University of Surrey) -TENGs could play a major role in making this dream reality. TENGs are ideal for powering wearables, internet devices and self-powered electronic applications. This research puts ATI in a leading position for designing optimized energy harvesters."

PhD program student, Ishara Dharmasen, also said about the research, that she is ardent to define new way energy harvesting.

Nanogenizer that can extract energy from tire

For example, in 2015, scientists from Wisconsin University of Madison, in collaboration with Chinese colleagues, have developed an entirely new kind of nanogenizer that can extract energy from tire motion along the way. The triboelectric nanogenerator works with a special electrode that is placed directly into the prenumber. Everything else will take care of the force. The triboelectric principle is that electrical charge causes friction. Researchers have also found that the amount of energy the nanogen generator produces is proportional to the mass of the car and the speed on the road.

The Chinese STENG nanogen generator

In 2017, Chinese scientists informed about the formation of triboelectric nanogenerators that are similar to the human skin engineers advancing by mixing the elastomer with ionic hydrogel. Hydrogel acts as an electrode. The resulting material is very flexible and practically translucent. It is excellent in terms of the ability to stretch and return to its original shape again. Researchers have found that 96.2 percent of light passes through the new material. Such material could thus be used to transfer optical data. The Chinese STENG nanogen generator operates at a temperature of 30 °C and an air humidity of 30 percent. Tests show that this material can produce up to 145 volts.

The whole new triboelectric system is intended to serve as a readily available and long-term energy source for a new generation of various wearing and self-loading electronic devices.

Scientists create the world's smallest snowman - used nanotechnology >>

Information about commercial applications >>