High-performance omnidirectional-sliding hybrid nanogenerator for self-powered wireless nodes

Energy-autonomous smart electronics have been the focus of the next generation of the Internet of Things. Recently, advanced power technology with sustainable energy supply and pollution-free characteristics has become a research hotspot. Herein, to realize a reliable and unattended power unit, we propose a high-performance omnidirectional-sliding triboelectric-electromagnetic hybrid nanogenerator (OS-TEHNG) to convert the mechanical energy into electricity. The free-standing triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) achieves a charge transfer of 24.4 mu C in one cycle and a short-circuit current of 0.36 mA after optimizing the electrode structure. The TENG with 130 k omega impedance allows efficient charging of energy storage units without complex power management modules (PMMs). The electromagnetic part achieves an open-circuit voltage of 300 V after optimization. OS-TEHNG achieves a peak power density of 1568.4 W/m3 and an average power density of 352.3 W/m3 at 2 Hz. As a result, OS-TEHNG charges a 1 mF capacitor to 46 V within 8 s. The strong power supply capability allows OS-TEHNG to charge smartwatches and phones. Furthermore, a completely self-powered wireless keyboard with a PMM and an energy storage unit based on OS-TEHNG is developed. The wireless self-powered keyboard sends data 213 times after only sliding the OS-TEHNG once. Finally, OS-TEHNG is successfully demonstrated to drive a 40 mW wireless sensor node with a 1.3-inch OLED screen in continuous operation. This work represents a significant advance toward self-powered microsystems and practical power sources.

Automated summary

In this study, a high-performance omnidirectional-sliding triboelectric-electromagnetic hybrid nanogenerator (OS-TEHNG) is proposed to convert mechanical energy into electricity. The OS-TEHNG achieves high power density and can charge devices quickly. Furthermore, a self-powered wireless keyboard and a wireless sensor node are successfully developed and demonstrated using OS-TEHNG.