Next-Generation Energy Harvesting and Storage Technologies 

Energy Harvesting and Storage

These technologies are designed to provide sustainable, battery-free power solutions for applications such as IoT devices, wearable electronics, and biomedical sensors. Our research integrates various energy harvesting techniques with high-performance storage systems to create practical, standalone energy platforms.

Key Research Topics:

• Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs)
  We design energy harvesters based on triboelectric effects and electrostatic induction, capable of converting small-scale mechanical motions—such as vibration, touch, and airflow—into electrical energy. By optimizing materials and surface microstructures, we enhance output performance for use in self-powered sensor networks and environmental monitoring.

• Piezoelectric Energy Harvesters (PZT-based)
  Using piezoelectric ceramics (PZT) and flexible piezoelectric polymers, we develop compact energy harvesters that convert mechanical deformation—such as structural vibration or human motion—into electricity. These devices are ideal for wearable healthcare systems, implantable biomedical sensors, and structural health monitoring.

• Hybrid Energy Systems and Supercapacitor Integration
  To efficiently store the energy harvested from TENGs and piezoelectric devices, we develop supercapacitors and nanostructured energy storage systems with high energy density and fast charge-discharge capabilities. Supercapacitors are particularly well-suited for integration with sensor platforms, offering long cycle life, reliability, and scalability for compact, self-sustaining power units.

Technical Highlights:

• Highly sensitive energy harvesting in low-frequency, low-amplitude environments

• Optimized design of TENG and PZT generators for diverse energy sources

• Advanced supercapacitor technologies for stable and rapid energy storage

• Miniaturized and lightweight energy platforms for seamless integration with devices

The Energy Harvesting and Storage research area provides the essential technologies to enable self-sustained operation of devices in power-limited environments. Through the convergence of energy harvesting and storage, MNTL is paving the way for next-generation smart sensors, wearable healthcare systems, and bioelectronic devices that operate independently and efficiently.