A multiferroic module for biomechanical energy harvesting

The growth and ubiquitous use of mobile electronics and the Internet of Things is driving a rapid surge in research into self-powered personal electronic devices and sensor networks. Scavenging human biomechanical energy via piezoelectricity or triboelectricity is a viable strategy to address the limited lifespan and periodic recharging issues of conventional batteries. Here, we report a self-charging multiferroic module for sustainable operation of personal mobile electronics, by exploiting multiferroic composites in response to biomechanical energy via mechano-magneto-electric energy conversion. The multiferroic energy harvesting module consists of a movable permanent magnet that transduces mechanical energy into magnetic energy, and a pair of piezoelectric/ magnetostrictive magnetoelectric (ME) laminates that function to convert magnetic energy into electrical energy. The multiferroic energy harvesting device exhibits an efficient mechano-magneto-electric energy conversion performance with open-circuit voltage of -17 V and short-circuit current -7.2 ?A under mechanical excitation equivalent to human running. This multiferroic module has been demonstrated during human running as a viable power source for temperature and humidity sensors, Bluetooth earphones and night running indicators, which suggests application in sustainable personal electronics and even the Internet of Things.

Automated summary

The use of multiferroic energy harvesting module can efficiently convert mechanical energy into electricity, addressing the limited lifespan and periodic recharging issues of conventional batteries. The module demonstrates high efficiency in mechano-magneto-electric energy conversion under human running motion, providing a sustainable power source for personal electronic devices.