Advancements in Energy Harvesting: Piezoelectric, Triboelectric, Pyroelectric, and Magnetoelectric Technologies for Self-powered Sensor Systems

Abstract

In the era of Internet of Things (IoT) advancements, millions of sensors and electronic devices are interconnected through the internet. A reliable power source is required for their continuous operation. Self-powered sensor systems have emerged as promising solutions for various applications including wearable devices and environmental monitoring, benefiting both society and the environment. These systems can maintain themselves by eliminating the need for external power sources or frequent battery replacements and converting discarded energy sources around them into electrical energy. Among various energy harvesting technologies, piezoelectric, triboelectric, pyroelectric, and magnetoelectric mechanisms have garnered significant attention due to their ability to convert mechanical, frictional, thermal, and magnetic energy into electrical power, respectively. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances in these technologies for self-powered sensor systems, catering to a wide audience. It explores fundamental principles of their-energy harvesting mechanisms, highlighting their strengths, limitations, and potential applications. In addition, this review discusses challenges related to the development of nanogenerator-based self-powered sensor systems and presents new opportunities for their advancement.