[Research] Prof. Jeong Min Baik suggests a new approach for commercialization of sustainable energy harvesting
- 신소재공학부
- Hit1374
- 2022-01-26
Prof. Jeong Min Baik suggests a new approach for commercialization of
sustainable energy harvesting technology
- Development of non-contact mode triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) applying C60-functionalized Polyimide
- BiSbTe-based thermoelectric generators exhibit world's highest output through the triboelectrification field effect
Contact electrification (CE), which occurs due to the coupling effect of two separate materials, is the foundation of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) that converts the ambient mechanical energy into electricity. TENGs have successfully demonstrated their excellence in charging small electronic devices and capturing momentary stimuli in devices like electronic skin, touch screens, healthcare devices, and habit-recognition security systems.
Nevertheless, several drawbacks of contact electrification (CE) have been raised, such as the wear of materials, the need to replace the device, and noise resulting from its operation. In this regard, Prof. Baik’s research team, by fabricating C60-functionalized Polyimide, developed a non-contact mode nanogenerator, which shows 4.3 times higher output power and three times higher charge-retention characteristics.
Non- contact mode TENG was applied in a keyless electronic door lock system and an automobile speed sensor for the first time in the world, demonstrating its stability and superiority in operation.
Also, by pioneering the use of CE in thermoelectric harvesting, the research team suggested a novel approach by developing a brand new technology that profoundly enhanced output power without raising the necessity of thermoelectric material modification.
Thermoelectric energy harvesting generated valuable energy utilizing the temperature difference on the material’s outside when heat is applied on both ends of the material. So far, the focus was on the modification of thermoelectric materials’ (Bi2Te3, SnSe, PbTe, etc.) Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity to improve energy conversion efficiency; however, there were difficulties in commercialization due to low output voltage.
To solve such problems, the research team attached a Kapton layer with a negative charge on the cold side of BiSbTe-based thermoelectric materials, which has the highest ZT value. It doubled output power and enabled setting a world record of 50% higher output voltage.
“This research set the tone by attesting stable energy production capability by leveraging CE; The findings illuminated the unlimited potential in the field of energy harvesting.” Prof. Baik noted.
The corresponding research was published in Energy & Environmental Science (IF 30.287) and ACS Energy Letters (IF: 19.003), respectively.
https://www.skku.edu/skku/research/industry/researchStory_view.do?mode=view&articleNo=89863