A Stretchable Nanogenerator with Electric/Light Dual‐Mode Energy Conversion

Abstract

As an alternative technology, stretchable electronics attract long‐lasting attention. A newly‐designed stretchable nanogenerator with unique dual‐mode energy conversion is reported. The ability of converting the input mechanical stimuli to either electric or light output is achieved by monolithically integrating a transparent single‐electrode triboelectric nanogenerator (S‐TENG) with a ZnS based mechanoluminescence (ML) composite. This stretchable device with versatile functions promotes the development of the smart systems to efficiently and diversely utilize ubiquitous mechanical energy and demonstrates great potential for artificial e‐skins.

Mimicking Human and Biological Skins for Multifunctional Skin Electronics

“…In such a self‐powered visualization system, mechanical stress‐induced piezo/triboelectric potential differences trigger photoexcitation of luminescent materials and spontaneous emission of visible light, thus enabling instantaneous detection of external stimuli ( Figure a) . In addition to optical signals, the generated electrical signal can be utilized to detect the intensity of applied pressure independently, enabling applications in identity verification, motion‐tracking devices, and dual‐mode energy‐conversion systems . Figure b shows another approach for the visualized e‐skins covering a wide range of dynamic pressure via dual sensing modes, whereby low pressure (<100 kPa) is spatially mapped by triboelectricity and high pressure (>1 MPa) is monitored by mechanoluminescence …”

LiNbO3:Pr3+: A Multipiezo Material with Simultaneous Piezoelectricity and Sensitive Piezoluminescence

“…Another typical piezoelectric material, BaTiO 3 , exhibits elastic ML, but only with the electroluminescent component CaTiO 3 :Pr 3+ . Some other materials have been found to show elastic ML, such as CaZnOS and ZnS, and they have the possibility of displaying piezoelectricity after doping, but they are semiconductive materials and have no insulating dielectric characteristic. Recently, dual‐mode ML composites and devices have also been developed and showed great potential for artificial e‐skins in the large strain range from 5% to 50% .…”

Coaxial‐Structured Weavable and Wearable Electroluminescent Fibers

“…Moreover, ZnS‐based EL devices generally exhibit great strain endurance and mechanical robustness when subjected to crude mechanical manipulations such as bending, twisting, and stretching . Third, silicone was selected to act as the dielectric layer to prevent the breakdown of the device, and to function as the binder of ZnS particles . Furthermore, the silicone was utilized to encapsulate the ACEL fibers.…”