Nanoenergy Adv., Volume 4, Issue 1 (March 2024) – 7 articles

The possibility of using graphane monolayer crystals as an electrode material is becoming popular. Graphane is stable at room temperature and has a large surface area, but its chemical inertness hinders its direct interactions with Li ions. In this study, we performed density functional theory calculations to study the energetic stability and structural and electronic properties of Li on graphane with various CH divacancy configurations (v₁₂, v₁₃, and v₁₄). The results show that the adsorption of the Li atom reduces the formation energy of the CH divacancy configurations. The Li-v₁₂ is most stable with the highest binding energy of 3.25 eV/Li and relaxes to in-plane with other C atoms. Altering the Li charge state to have Li⁻¹-v₁₂ or Li⁺¹-v₁₂ affects the energetic stability and electronic characters of Li-v₁₂. The Li⁻¹-v₁₂ (Li⁺¹-v₁₂) slightly (greatly) reduces the binding force between the Li and v₁₂ configuration, and furthermore it improves (deteriorates) the conductivity of the structure. Further investigation of graphane with vacancies is encouraged due to these intriguing observations, as it holds promise for potential utilization as an electrode material. Full article

Developing metal-free electrodes for prototypes of bio-based devices is an essential step in producing non-toxic components for implantable devices and wearables. In particular, the advancement in self-powered devices is a hot topic for several applications due to the possibility of creating free-battery devices and sensors. In this paper, the modification of bacterial cellulose by the progressive incorporation of carbon black (a conductive filler) was explored as a prototype for bio-based electrodes for triboelectric nanogenerators. This process was controlled by the percolation pathways’ activation through the contact of carbon black grains with the bacterial cellulose membrane, which represents a critical step in the overall process of optimization in the power output performance, reaching an open circuit voltage value of 102.3 V, short circuit current of 2 μA, and power density of 4.89 μW/cm². Full article

With the rapid evolution of the Internet of Things (IoT), smart home systems have greatly improved people’s lifestyles and quality of life. However, smart home systems based on a single sensor cannot efficiently control multiple terminals, which limits product penetration into lower-end markets. Here, we have developed a dual-mode smart home system based on a porous triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), which effectively compensates for the shortcomings of smart home systems being unable to control multiple appliances through a single switch. Benefitting from the remarkable electronegativity of MXene and the ameliorative specific surface area of the friction layer, the output characteristics of the porous TENG are greatly improved. Under the identical external stimulus, the open-circuit voltage (V_OC) and short-circuit current (I_SC) of the porous TENG were 3.03 and 3.04 times higher than those of the TENG with a pure PVDF membrane used as the friction layer. Thanks to the excellent output performance and good linear relationship between pressure and voltage, the developed dual-mode smart home system could efficiently control multiple terminals through a single sensor. This work not only provides theoretical support for developing high-performance TENGs but also paves the way to designing multifunctional smart home systems. Full article

The utilization of abundant blue energy in the ocean could greatly contribute to achieving carbon neutrality. However, the unsolved economic and technical challenges of traditional technologies for harvesting blue energy have resulted in slow progress. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), as a new approach for converting mechanical energy into electricity, have great potential for blue energy harvesting, which can be connected as networks with different numbers of units for varying scales of energy harvesting. Here, recent advances of networking strategies of TENGs for harvesting blue energy are reviewed, mainly concerning mechanical and electrical connection designs. Anchoring strategies of devices and networks are also discussed. The development of TENG networks could provide an effective solution for large-scale ocean blue energy harvesting, which can also serve as an in-situ energy station or power source for self-powered systems, supporting various marine equipment and activities. Full article

Advances in biomimetic triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have significant implications for electronic skin (e-skin) and human–machine interaction (HMI). Emphasizing the need to mimic complex functionalities of natural systems, particularly human skin, TENGs leverage triboelectricity and electrostatic induction to bridge the gap in traditional electronic devices’ responsiveness and adaptability. The exploration begins with an overview of TENGs’ operational principles and modes, transitioning into structural and material biomimicry inspired by plant and animal models, proteins, fibers, and hydrogels. Key applications in tactile sensing, motion sensing, and intelligent control within e-skins and HMI systems are highlighted, showcasing TENGs’ potential in revolutionizing wearable technologies and robotic systems. This review also addresses the challenges in performance enhancement, scalability, and system integration of TENGs. It points to future research directions, including optimizing energy conversion efficiency, discovering new materials, and employing micro-nanostructuring techniques for enhanced triboelectric charges and energy conversion. The scalability and cost-effectiveness of TENG production, pivotal for mainstream application, are discussed along with the need for versatile integration with various electronic systems. The review underlines the significance of making bioinspired TENGs more accessible and applicable in everyday technology, focusing on compatibility, user comfort, and durability. Conclusively, it underscores the role of bioinspired TENGs in advancing wearable technology and interactive systems, indicating a bright future for these innovations in practical applications. Full article

The utilization of plasmonic nanomaterials in catalytic technologies is an emerging research field with foreseeable applications in energy-catalytic technologies. On this front, the coupling of plasmonic nanomaterials with molecular catalysts is a newly approached, thus far unexploited field, that we discuss herein. In the present mini review, we contrast the case where the plasmonic particle itself is the catalytic center against the case where the plasmonic particle acts as a co-catalyst for an operational catalytic system. In the first part, we present an outline of the key phenomena in nanoplasmonics, and their potential implications in catalytic processes. The concepts of hot electrons, hot holes, and the dynamics of their generation and transfer are reviewed, as are the contribution of near-field and photothermal effects to catalytic processes. All these plasmonic-phenomena are then discussed in conjunction with representative catalytic systems from the literature. Full article

Future electronics will play a more critical role in people’s lives, as reflected in the realization of advanced human–machine interfaces, disease detection, medical treatment, and health monitoring. The current electronic products are rigid, non-degradable, and cannot repair themselves. Meanwhile, the human body is soft, dynamic, stretchable, degradable, and self-healing. Consequently, it is valuable to develop new electronic materials with skin-like properties that include stretchability, inhibition of invasive reactions, self-healing, long-term durability, and biodegradability. These demands have driven the development of a new generation of electronic materials with high-electrical performance and skin-like properties, among which e-polymers are increasingly being more extensively investigated. This review focuses on recent advances in synthesizing e-polymers and their applications in biointerfaces and organisms. Discussions include the synthesis and properties of e-polymers, the interrelationships between engineered material structures and human interfaces, and the application of implantable and wearable systems for sensors and energy harvesters. The final section summarizes the challenges and future opportunities in the evolving materials and biomedical research field. Full article