Abstract:
An aqueous rechargeable zinc ion battery is provided, the battery comprising a cathode comprising a V3O7.H2O-graphene composite, the composite comprising a plurality of V3O7.H2O nanostructures in contact with graphene, an anode in electrical communication with the cathode, the anode comprising zinc, and an aqueous electrolyte between the cathode and the anode, the aqueous electrolyte comprising zinc ions and an ether of a type and at an amount selected to maximize a capacity retention value of the battery.
Abstract:
An in-situ poled ferroelectric prints with true 3D geometry is provided with an intercalated electrode design where soft polymer matrixes are selected for the ferroelectric layers, and rigid polymer matrixes are selected for the electrode layers, thus mimicking nacre architecture with a ceramic-like piezoelectric property and bone-like fracture toughness. Lithium-doped potassium sodium niobite (Li—KNN) microparticles may be used to produce ferroelectric properties and to create strong interfacial bonding with the interfacing electrode layers. Polylactic acid (PLA) in the electrode layers may be used to facilitate strong interfacial bonding with the Li—KNN microparticles.
Abstract:
A wearable medical bandage is provided having an energy harvesting generator that harvests mechanical energy from the user's natural body and muscle motions to produce electrical energy. The electrical energy induces an electric potential across the wound opening producing accelerated skin wound recovery under the voltage fluctuations produced by the power generator.
Abstract:
An energy harvesting system for use with the human body may use an eccentrically mounted weight winding a mainspring that drives a mechanical clock mechanism. The mechanical clock mechanism in turn may produce pulses of electricity, for example, through periodic flexing of a piezoelectric or triboelectric material during the regular motion of the mechanical timing mechanism. By remaining in a mechanical rather than electrical domain, improved simplicity and efficiency may be obtained in the generation of regularly spaced uniform pulses.
Abstract:
Triboelectric nanogenerators that operate in a vertical contact separation mode and methods for fabricating the triboelectric generators are provided. Also provided are methods for using the triboelectric nanogenerators to harvest mechanical energy and convert it into electric energy. In the TENGs, one or both of the triboelectrically active layers comprises a cellulose that has been chemically treated to alter its electron affinity.
Abstract:
Piezoelectric materials based on nanoporous polymer foams are provided. Also provided are nanogenerators incorporating the piezoelectric materials, piezoelectric energy harvesters incorporating the nanogenerators and methods of making and using the same. The piezoelectric materials comprise a unitary nanoporous matrix composed of a piezoelectrically active organic polymer, in which the pores are interconnected and have nanoscale diameters.