Shape Memory Polymers for Body Motion Energy Harvesting and Self-Powered Mechanosensing

Ruiyuan Liu, Xiao Kuang, Jianan Deng, Yi Cheng Wang, Aurelia C. Wang, Wenbo Ding, Ying Chih Lai, Jun Chen, Peihong Wang, Zhiqun Lin, H. Jerry Qi, Baoquan Sun, Zhong Lin Wang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

304 Scopus citations

Abstract

Growing demand in portable electronics raises a requirement to electronic devices being stretchable, deformable, and durable, for which functional polymers are ideal choices of materials. Here, the first transformable smart energy harvester and self-powered mechanosensation sensor using shape memory polymers is demonstrated. The device is based on the mechanism of a flexible triboelectric nanogenerator using the thermally triggered shape transformation of organic materials for effectively harvesting mechanical energy. This work paves a new direction for functional polymers, especially in the field of mechanosensation for potential applications in areas such as soft robotics, biomedical devices, and wearable electronics.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1705195
JournalAdvanced Materials
Volume30
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - 22 Feb 2018

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
R.L., X.K., and J.D. contributed equally to this work. R.L., J.D., and X.K. conceived the idea, designed the experiment, and performed the measurement. W.D. designed the software. Z.L.W. guided the project. All authors discussed the results and commented on the manuscript. This research was supported by the Hightower Chair Foundation, and the “Thousands Talents” program for pioneer researcher and his innovation team. R.L. and J.D. would like to thank the support from the China Scholarship Council. X.K. and H.J.Q. thank the support from HP Inc.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim

Keywords

  • energy harvesting
  • self-powered mechanosensation
  • shape memory polymers
  • triboelectric nanogenerators

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Shape Memory Polymers for Body Motion Energy Harvesting and Self-Powered Mechanosensing'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this