Advanced Design, Fabrication, and Applications of 3D-Printable Piezoelectric Nanogenerators

Piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG) is a leading-edge mechanical energy harvesting device used in portable power supply and self-powered sensor systems. Advanced 3D printers have been recently used to create 3D printed (3DP) PENGs. This has facilitated the rapid fabrication of PENGs and their integration into wearable electronics, biomedical systems, and internet of things devices. However, researchers face several critical challenges in developing robust 3DP-PENGs that can produce adequate electrical energy for self-powered systems. Therefore, this review on 3DP-PENGs is conducted to highlight their recent developments and challenges. This paper presents the latest 3D-printed piezoelectric nanogenerators in terms of their materials selection and functionalization, design and architecture formation, and applications including pressure sensors, flow sensors, microphones, and implants. Finally, crucial challenges and optimization strategies that considerably impact the output performance of 3DP-PENGs, along with a roadmap for their future enhancement are given. It is envisioned that this work will help reduce the gap between 3D printing and PENG technologies and accelerate the research and development of 3DP-PENGs. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

This paper reviews the recent developments and challenges in 3D-printed piezoelectric nanogenerators (3DP-PENGs). The latest research on materials selection, functionalization, design and architecture formation of 3DP-PENGs is presented, along with their applications in pressure sensors, flow sensors, microphones, and implants. Crucial challenges and optimization strategies are discussed, along with a roadmap for the future enhancement of 3DP-PENGs.