Triboelectric Generators for Self-powered Implantable Devices

Triboelectric Nano Generator
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Triboelectric Nanogenerator
In the last few years, the explosion in consumer electronics rapidly generated the necessity for a sustainable portable and wearable power source. Society witnesses numerous low-power electronic gadgets to improve their quality of life. These gadgets include GPS communication and implantable devices. Typically, the mentioned devices need electronic power to function. The invention of dry and wet cells (batteries) has made it easier for devices to operate though they express many disadvantages. For example, they need periodical replacement. Recycling batteries is a challenge because some may explode in the process. On the other hand, the fabrication of batteries is hazardous to humans. Fossil fuels also generate massive pollution, and they can take many years to regenerate. To solve these issues, the triboelectric nanogenerator, abbreviated as TENG, was invented as an alternative to creating electrical energy.  [2.M. Ma, Z. Kang, Q. Liao, Q. Zhang, F. Gao, X. Zhao, Z. Zhang and Y. Zhang, Nano Research, 2018, 11, 2951-2969.]
Zhang et al. Maintain TENG is a novel mechanical energy capture gadget (device) founded on the triboelectric effect. The triboelectric phenomenon was discovered by observing the attraction between lightweight particles and rubber amber. However, the occurrence is usually hazardous in industrial fabrication and daily life. Originally, TENG endows two disparate insulating material (dielectric) films facing each other with electrodes attached to the interior and exteriors of the two films. Its basic foundation is to change mechanical energy (DC) into electric energy (AC) through triboelectric influence. Based on that function, the application of TENG exists in two ways. For example, the mechanical energy harvesters incorporate mechanical energy of structural vibration, biochemical energy, and wave energy as the power source for other electronic gadgets. On the other hand, it is applied as self-powered sensors to monitor speed, respiration, pressure, and flow rate. With close relation to the above analysis, the paper presents a critical analysis of TENG in terms of working modes and mechanism, its use in implantable devices, challenges, and future directions. [3. Q. Zhang, T. Jin, J. Cai, L. Xu, T. He, T. Wang, Y. Tian, L. Li, Y. Peng and C. Lee, Advanced Science, 2021, 9, 2103694.]
left191262000Working Mode and Mechanism of TENG
Notably, the contrivance of TENG is electrostatic force stimulation influences and triboelectrification. The special effects are complemented with rapid advancement in the area of TENG and nanogenerator leading to the exploration of ultimate working methods of TENG. Furthermore, TENG operates in four main methods or modes such as free-standing, single-electrode, sliding mode, and contact-separation concerning contact separation; triboelectrification happens through “contact and separation of two triboelectric layers.” Notably, the process may occur between two different insulating materials (dielectric materials) and metallic materials (layers). The model is simple, easy to fabricate, a...