3D printed bidirectional rotatory hybrid nanogenerator for mechanical energy harvesting

In the world of automotive technologies, a tremendous amount of small-scale rotational energy is wasted and not being converted into a usable energy form. A rotatory triboelectric nanogenerator can be a fortune technology to harvest such waste mechanical energy and convert it into electricity. In this regard, we developed a fully threedimensional (3D) printed bidirectional rotatory hybrid nanogenerator (BR-HNG) to convert waste rotational energy into electricity, via a contact and separation mode mechanism. Initially, a single HNG was fabricated with porous sodium niobate and polydimethylsiloxane polymer (i.e., NaNbO3/PDMS) composite film, which was operated vertically against the aluminum to optimize a high and stable electrical output. After the robust and stability test of the single HNG, multiple HNGs were integrated into a 3D printed bidirectional rotatory frame to harvest the rotational energy. It was observed that the BR-HNG had a stable and high electrical direct current voltage of 37.5 V. Furthermore, the BR-HNG was attached to a bicycle to harvest the rotational energy while bicycling in everyday human life and power up various portable electronics.

Automated summary

By developing a printed bidirectional rotatory hybrid nanogenerator (BR-HNG), waste rotational mechanical energy can be effectively utilized and converted into electricity. Research results demonstrate that the BR-HNG exhibits excellent performance in terms of stability and high electrical output, and can be attached to a bicycle for collecting rotational energy in daily life.