Open AccessA Forest‐Based Triboelectric Energy Harvester
Author(s) -
Edberg Jesper,
Mulla Mohammad Yusuf,
Hosseinaei Omid,
Alvi Naveed ul Hassan,
Beni Valerio
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
global challenges
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2056-6646
DOI - 10.1002/gch2.202200058
Subject(s) - triboelectric effect , renewable energy , energy harvesting , electrical engineering , process engineering , materials science , power (physics) , automotive engineering , mechanical engineering , environmental science , engineering , composite material , physics , quantum mechanics
Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are a new class of energy harvesting devices that have the potential to become a dominating technology for producing renewable energy. The versatility of their designs allows TENGs to harvest mechanical energy from sources like wind and water. Currently used renewable energy technologies have a restricted number of materials from which they can be constructed, such as metals, plastics, semiconductors, and rare‐earth metals. These materials are all non‐renewable in themselves as they require mining/drilling and are difficult to recycle at end of life. TENGs on the other hand can be built from a large repertoire of materials, including materials from bio‐based sources. Here, a TENG constructed fully from wood‐derived materials like lignin, cellulose, paper, and cardboard, thus making it 100% green, recyclable, and even biodegradable, is demonstrated. The device can produce a maximum voltage, current, and power of 232 V, 17 mA m –2 , and 1.6 W m –2 , respectively, which is enough to power electronic systems and charge 6.5 µF capacitors. Finally, the device is used in a smart package application as a self‐powered impact sensor. The work shows the feasibility of producing renewable energy technologies that are sustainable both with respect to their energy sources and their material composition.