Researchers from DGIST have introduced a groundbreaking self-sustaining sensor capable of harnessing kinetic energy and pressure to simultaneously produce light and electricity. This innovative, battery-free solution holds the potential for numerous practical applications across sectors such as emergency response, sports equipment, and wearable tech.
A Fresh Look at Energy Generation Technologies
The combination of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) for electricity generation and mechanoluminescence (ML) for light emission has garnered significant interest in the field of sustainable energy. Historically, investigations focused either on these technologies independently or merely blended their functionalities without thorough integration. Furthermore, past challenges included inconsistent power output from TENGs alongside inadequate duration of luminescence from ML materials—issues that hindered their real-world effectiveness.
Innovative Design Leads to Breakthrough
The research team devised a method that marries the processes of generating both electricity and illumination through applied motion or pressure. By integrating light-emitting zinc sulfide-copper (ZnS:Cu) particles within a rubber-like substrate called polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), they established an efficient single-electrode framework utilizing silver nanowires. Remarkably, this newly developed device has demonstrated sustained performance even after over 5,000 press applications while consistently producing voltages nearing 60 V with currents reaching up to 395 nA.
The full findings are documented in the journal Advanced Sustainable Systems.
Accessibility for Real-World Applications
This pioneering technology transcends mere theoretical advancements by offering immediate applicability in critical situations like disaster relief efforts or deep-sea exploration—especially noteworthy is its capacity to emit SOS signals effectively in low visibility scenarios such as underwater operations.
Diverse Applications Across Fields
The sensor’s versatile design enables deployment across several fields, particularly in safety wearables, sports monitoring systems, and signaling during rescues. Notable examples include helmets equipped with impact detection features that can relay urgent messages instantly; wrist guards designed to monitor athletic movements; or devices capable of transmitting rescue notifications even when submerged underwater—all without reliance on batteries, making them environmentally friendly options.
“The importance of this research lies in its ability to produce electrical energy and illumination solely via movement without battery dependence,” stated Prof. Kim Hoe Joon from DGIST’s Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering.
A Vision for Safer Futures
“This innovative technology is poised not only to enhance personal safety but also promote sustainability by generating real-time alerts during emergencies while minimizing environmental harm through effective energy harvesting practices,” added Sugato Hajra—a postdoctoral researcher involved with the project—and Swati Panda—a Ph.D. candidate who co-authored the study along with Prof. Kim Hoe Joon…
More information:
Sugato Hajra et al., Simultaneous Triboelectric and Mechanoluminescence Sensing Toward Self-Powered Applications published in Advanced Sustainable Systems (2024). DOI: 10.1002/adsu.202400609
Credit: Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology
Researchers from DGIST have introduced a groundbreaking self-sustaining sensor capable of harnessing kinetic energy and pressure to simultaneously produce light and electricity. This innovative, battery-free solution holds the potential for numerous practical applications across sectors such as emergency response, sports equipment, and wearable tech.
A Fresh Look at Energy Generation Technologies
The combination of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) for electricity generation and mechanoluminescence (ML) for light emission has garnered significant interest in the field of sustainable energy. Historically, investigations focused either on these technologies independently or merely blended their functionalities without thorough integration. Furthermore, past challenges included inconsistent power output from TENGs alongside inadequate duration of luminescence from ML materials—issues that hindered their real-world effectiveness.
Innovative Design Leads to Breakthrough
The research team devised a method that marries the processes of generating both electricity and illumination through applied motion or pressure. By integrating light-emitting zinc sulfide-copper (ZnS:Cu) particles within a rubber-like substrate called polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), they established an efficient single-electrode framework utilizing silver nanowires. Remarkably, this newly developed device has demonstrated sustained performance even after over 5,000 press applications while consistently producing voltages nearing 60 V with currents reaching up to 395 nA.
The full findings are documented in the journal Advanced Sustainable Systems.
Accessibility for Real-World Applications
This pioneering technology transcends mere theoretical advancements by offering immediate applicability in critical situations like disaster relief efforts or deep-sea exploration—especially noteworthy is its capacity to emit SOS signals effectively in low visibility scenarios such as underwater operations.
Diverse Applications Across Fields
The sensor’s versatile design enables deployment across several fields, particularly in safety wearables, sports monitoring systems, and signaling during rescues. Notable examples include helmets equipped with impact detection features that can relay urgent messages instantly; wrist guards designed to monitor athletic movements; or devices capable of transmitting rescue notifications even when submerged underwater—all without reliance on batteries, making them environmentally friendly options.
“The importance of this research lies in its ability to produce electrical energy and illumination solely via movement without battery dependence,” stated Prof. Kim Hoe Joon from DGIST’s Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering.
A Vision for Safer Futures
“This innovative technology is poised not only to enhance personal safety but also promote sustainability by generating real-time alerts during emergencies while minimizing environmental harm through effective energy harvesting practices,” added Sugato Hajra—a postdoctoral researcher involved with the project—and Swati Panda—a Ph.D. candidate who co-authored the study along with Prof. Kim Hoe Joon…
More information:
Sugato Hajra et al., Simultaneous Triboelectric and Mechanoluminescence Sensing Toward Self-Powered Applications published in Advanced Sustainable Systems (2024). DOI: 10.1002/adsu.202400609
Credit: Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology
