Nano Generators for Self-Powered Electronics

Harvesting kinetic energy from surroundings is utmost important in the era of internet of things (IoT) and AI enabled sensor networks, as the energy demand is rising day by day. Piezoelectric (PENG) and Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENG) are key players in this arena of green energy scavengers as they convert discrete mechanical vibrations into useful electricity for powering personal gadgets and self-powered sensors. TENG is a mechanical energy harvesting device, which converts discrete, high entropy and low frequency mechanical energy from surroundings into electricity by conjunction of contact electrification and electrostatic induction while PENG generates electricity via the dislocation of dipoles under an external mechanical impact. CSIR-NIIST is one of the leading institutions in the country in the area of nanogenerators, which has rich expertise in engineering high-performance flexible and wearable piezo-tribo nanogenerators for efficient kinetic energy harvesting from ambient environment and self-powered sensing applications.

The technology focuses on harvesting kinetic energy from the environment, a critical need in the era of IoT and AI-enabled sensor networks due to increasing energy demands. Piezoelectric Nanogenerators (PENG) and Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENG) play a significant role as green energy scavengers, converting low-frequency mechanical vibrations into electricity. TENG utilizes contact electrification and electrostatic induction, while PENG generates energy through dipole displacement under mechanical impact. CSIR-NIIST is a leading institution in this field, with expertise in designing high-performance, flexible, and wearable piezo-tribo nanogenerators for efficient kinetic energy harvesting and self-powered sensing applications.

• Generate ample electrical energy, with a peak maximum voltage of 4.3 kV, current of 45 μA and power density of 20.2 w/m2 respectively.

• Self-powered sensors that realise tactile perception, structural health monitoring, noise pollution detection, obstacle mapping and navigation is developed.

• Facile, flexible, and stable form factors and environmental benign materials selection for practical implementations of devices..

• Lead-free piezoelectric materials, printable ink formulations and electrospun nanofiber mats are developed for PENG