Progress on Self-Powered Wearable and Implantable Systems Driven by Nanogenerators

• Main Authors: Lanxin Yang, Zhihao Ma, Yun Tian, Bo Meng, Zhengchun Peng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-06-01
• Series: Micromachines
• Subjects: self-powered systems; nanogenerator; wearable electronics; implantable devices
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-666X/12/6/666

With the rapid development of the internet of things (IoT), sustainable self-powered wireless sensory systems and diverse wearable and implantable electronic devices have surged recently. Under such an opportunity, nanogenerators, which can convert continuous mechanical energy into usable electricity, have been regarded as one of the critical technologies for self-powered systems, based on the high sensitivity, flexibility, and biocompatibility of piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) and triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). In this review, we have thoroughly analyzed the materials and structures of wearable and implantable PENGs and TENGs, aiming to make clear how to tailor a self-power system into specific applications. The advantages in TENG and PENG are taken to effectuate wearable and implantable human-oriented applications, such as self-charging power packages, physiological and kinematic monitoring, in vivo and in vitro healing, and electrical stimulation. This review comprehensively elucidates the recent advances and future outlook regarding the human body’s self-powered systems.