Three dimensional printed nanogenerators. Issue 3 (4th April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhou, Xinran; Lee, Pooi See
• Is Part Of: EcoMat. Volume 3:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-04-04
• Subjects: 3D printing -- 3D structure -- 4D printing -- nanogenerator -- piezoelectric -- triboelectric; Materials -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Clean energy -- Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1002/eom2.12098
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2567-3173

Abstract

Abstract: In the dawn of energy crisis and rising challenges in powering distributed low energy portable devices, nanogenerators, a class of mechanical energy harvesters is gaining increasing interest in fundamental research and commercial applications. Nanogenerators harvest energy by transducing mechanical energy into electric energy, the performance is highly related to the mechanical and electrical properties of the materials and devices. A typical nanogenerator consists of a substrate, a functional triboelectric active layer, electrode, and separator, which overall built‐up a three dimensional (3D) structure. 3D printing with its ability to form complex 3D structures possess coveted advantages in the development of nanogenerators. In this review, we introduce the importance of 3D structures for nanogenerators and explicitly discuss the different 3D printing methods and the ink formulation to tackle the challenges in 3D structured nanogenerators. Additionally, the principle and application of 4D printing in nanogenerator fabrication are critically highlighted. Abstract : This review introduces the application of 3D printing technique in the development of nanogenerators, including both triboelectric nanogenerators and piezoelectric nanogenerators. 3D printing methods, ink formulation methods, and 3D structure design are discussed. In addition, 4D printing principles are introduced. Possible applications of 4D printing in nanogenerator design are raised.