Research Projects

The rapid advancement in portable microelectronics modules, such as sensors and the Internet of Things (IoT), has significantly impacted the quality of life. The demand for IoT is expected to rise from 50 billion to 200 billion by 2025, with industry 4.0 automation expected to increase this demand. Conventional energy supplies for these modules, such as capacitors or batteries, have limited storage capacity and environmental implications. Researchers are now focusing on developing micro energy harvesters that convert ambient mechanical energy into valuable electrical energy. This could replace conventional energy supplies for microelectronics modules and save approximately 60 tons of standard coal per hour by 2030. Nanogenerators, which harness random mechanical energy into nanoscale sustainable electric energy, are being explored for their use in IoT and self-power biomedical devices. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer is being explored for its potential in nanogenerator applications, particularly in piezo and triboelectric effects. The hybridization of PENG and TENG with 3D printed PVDF material will be fabricated as a prototype for commercialization. This type of polymer-based nanogenerators could create new production lines and avenues for sustainable polymeric nano-energy harvesters for the Internet of Things and self-power biomedical devices.