The article of record as published may be found at https://doi.org/10.1007/s41939-019-00057-y ; This paper investigated energy harvesting from ocean waves using an oscillating column (OC) and a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). First, preliminary tests were conducted for a TENG fabricated using copper alloy or pure copper and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape. Then, an OC was designed and built with the pure copper TENG, which was tested previously. The final design was tested in a tow tank with a wave maker to demonstrate the OC–TENG system under simulated ocean waves. The study examined different parameters that influenced the power generation, i.e., the voltage of alternative currents, in order to determine what parameters are critical to higher power generation. ; Identified in text as U.S. Government work.
Transparent, flexible and highly efficient portable power sources are essential components of the next generation electronics and optoelectronic devices. However, complicated technology, expensive cost, environmental pollution and low-efficient output have limited its development. Herein, based on periodic contact/separation between human skin and the microstructured polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film, we demonstrate a transparent flexible triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) through a relatively simple, low-cost, environmental-friendly and high-efficient method. For the first time, the natural leaves with rich surface textures were introduced to make microstructures on PDMS films as effective friction surface in the TENG. Furthermore, long silver nanowires (200 µm in length at least) through novel synthesis were assembled as high-performance electrode, resulting in the entirely flexible and transparent TENG. Owing to the unique design, the transparent flexible TENG was eventually obtained with an enhanced output (Voc=56 V; Isc=3.1 μA) and remarkable transparency (88%). Owing to compelling features of the TENG, a self-powered user-interactive wearable system was successfully established by integrating a flexible electrochromic device (ECD). The remarkable color-tunable ability via mechanical control of our system, highly inspired by chameleons, is potentially useful in military camouflage, monitoring human activity visually, as well as replacing performance of face change in Sichuan Opera. Therefore, this research is a substantial advancement toward the construction of transparent nanogenerator and its multifunctional applications in energy conversation, wearable electronics, healthcare, culture experience, and even environmental protection.
Abstract This study explores the implications of plastic waste and recycling management on recyclates for manufacturing clean-energy harvesting devices. The focus is on a comparative analysis of using recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) production, in two densely populated Asian countries of large economies, namely Singapore and India. Of the total 930,000 tonnes of plastic waste generated in Singapore in 2019, only 4% were recycled and the rest were incinerated. In comparison, India yielded 8.6 million tonnes of plastic waste and 70% were recycled. Both countries have strict recycling goals and have instituted different waste and recycling management regulations. The findings show that the waste policies and legislations, responsibilities and heterogeneity in collection systems and infrastructure of the respective country are the pivotal attributes to successful recycling. Challenges to recycle plastic include segregation, adulterants and macromolecular structure degradation which could influence the recyclate properties and pose challenges for manufacturing products. A model was developed to evaluate the economic value and mechanical potential of PET recyclate. The model predicted a 30% loss of material performance and a 65% loss of economic value after the first recycling cycle. The economic value depreciates to zero with decreasing mechanical performance of plastic after multiple recycling cycles. For understanding how TENG technology could be incorporated into the circular economy, a model has estimated about 20 million and 7300 billion pieces of aerogel mats can be manufactured from the PET bottles disposed in Singapore and India, respectively which were sufficient to produce small-scale TENG devices for all peoples in both countries.
This study explores the implications of plastic waste and recycling management on recyclates for manufacturing clean-energy harvesting devices. The focus is on a comparative analysis of using recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) production, in two densely populated Asian countries of large economies, namely Singapore and India. Of the total 930,000 tonnes of plastic waste generated in Singapore in 2019, only 4% were recycled and the rest were incinerated. In comparison, India yielded 8.6 million tonnes of plastic waste and 70% were recycled. Both countries have strict recycling goals and have instituted different waste and recycling management regulations. The findings show that the waste policies and legislations, responsibilities and heterogeneity in collection systems and infrastructure of the respective country are the pivotal attributes to successful recycling. Challenges to recycle plastic include segregation, adulterants and macromolecular structure degradation which could influence the recyclate properties and pose challenges for manufacturing products. A model was developed to evaluate the economic value and mechanical potential of PET recyclate. The model predicted a 30% loss of material performance and a 65% loss of economic value after the first recycling cycle. The economic value depreciates to zero with decreasing mechanical performance of plastic after multiple recycling cycles. For understanding how TENG technology could be incorporated into the circular economy, a model has estimated about 20 million and 7300 billion pieces of aerogel mats can be manufactured from the PET bottles disposed in Singapore and India, respectively which were sufficient to produce small-scale TENG devices for all peoples in both countries. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11356-022-20854-2.
Developing nimble, shape‐adaptable, conformable, and widely implementable energy harvesters with the capability to scavenge multiple renewable and ambient energy sources is highly demanded for distributed, remote, and wearable energy uses to meet the needs of internet of things. Here, the first single waterproof and fabric‐based multifunctional triboelectric nanogenerator (WPF‐MTENG) is presented, which can produce electricity from both natural tiny impacts (rain and wind) and body movements, and can not only serve as a flexible, adaptive, wearable, and universal energy collector but also act as a self‐powered, active, fabric‐based sensor. The working principle comes from a conjunction of contact triboelectrification and electrostatic induction during contact/separation of internal soft fabrics. The structural/material designs of the WPF‐MTENG are systematically studied to optimize its performance, and its outputs under different conditions of rain, wind, and various body movements are comprehensively investigated. Its applicability is practically demonstrated in various objects and working situations to gather ambient energy. Lastly, a WPF‐MTENG‐based keypad as self‐powered human–system interfaces is demonstrated on a garment for remotely controlling a music‐player system. This multifunctional WPF‐MTENG, which is as flexible as clothes, not only presents a promising step toward democratic collections of alternative energy but also provides a new vision for wearable technologies.
