A wearable pyroelectric nanogenerator and self-powered breathing sensor. (August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xue, Hao; Yang, Quan; Wang, Dingyi; Luo, Weijian; Wang, Wenqian; Lin, Mushun; Liang, Dingli; Luo, Qiming
• Is Part Of: Nano energy. Volume 38(2017:Aug.)
• Page Start: 147
• Page End: 154
• Publication Date: 2017-08
• Subjects: Pyroelectric nanogenerator -- Wearable electronics -- Respiratory monitoring -- Temperature sensor -- Self-powered devices; Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanostructured materials -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Nanoscience; Nanostructured materials; Nanotechnology; Power resources -- Technological innovations; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2017.05.056
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-2855

Abstract

Abstract: Wasted heat is one of the most abundant and widely available energy sources in our living environment and industrial activities. Pyroelectric nanogenerators (PyNGs) is emerging as a powerful tool to scavenge wasted heat. Here we designed and fabricated a wearable PyNG using PVDF thin film integrated in a N95 respirator for scavenging energy of human respiration. Due to the temperature fluctuation induced by human breathing at 5 °C ambient temperature, the PyNG can generate output signals with an open-circuit voltage of 42 V and a short-circuit current of 2.5 μA, respectively. The maximal power reached up to 8.31 μW with an external load of 50 MΩ, which can be utilized to directly drive electronics, such as a liquid crystal display and light emitting diodes. This PyNG has also been demonstrated as self-powered human breathing and temperature sensors. The excellent performances and unencumbered wearable mode of the PyNG demonstrate that the device can be developed as a promising wearable energy harvester and self-powered multifunctional sensors for practical applications. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Wearable PyNG for human breathing energy harvesting. Self-powered human breathing monitoring and ambient temperature detection. Demonstrating excellent output performance and unencumbered wearable mode.