Emerging nanogenerator technology in China: A review and forecast using integrating bibliometrics, patent analysis and technology roadmapping methods

Many types of nanogenerators (NGs) have been developed in a rapid pace, the technological focus and trends of this fantastic emerging technology deserve in-depth exploration. This paper presents the outcomes of a technology roadmapping study based on the research on existing position of NGs. An integrating approach that combines bibliometrics, patent analysis and technology roadmapping method (TRM) workshops was applied. The bibliometrics and patent analysis provide a means of visualizing detailed information about the past trajectory and technological focus of the NGs technology. Its results show that China has been with the international forefront regard to research into NGs since 2013, especially in the field of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG). Based on these quantitive results, key external factors which may shape the growth of NGs-based industry have been identified according to the experts' opinions. Finally, the future development roadmap of NGs-based industry in China was proposed from technology, industry dynamics, production and market&applications perspectives. This work provides a comprehensive means for visualizing more information about the present focus and future development trends of NGs, based on a quantitive and qualitative coupling method.