Asian Researchers Innovate Sustainable Fabrication of Flexible Nanogenerators

2025-06-27 flextronics

Tokyo, Friday, 27 June 2025.
A rapid, cost-effective fabrication process for flexible triboelectric nanogenerators could transform energy-harvesting technologies in wearables and IoT, meeting the massive future demand for small electronics.

Pioneering Sustainable Fabrication Techniques

In a breakthrough for sustainable technology, Asian researchers have introduced a rapid and cost-effective method for fabricating flexible triboelectric nanogenerators (f-TENGs). This innovative approach, devised using electrochemical replication and transfer, is spearheaded by Zijian Zheng and his team from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, City University of Hong Kong, and other esteemed institutions in the region. The new method allows the production of submicron-structured f-TENG electrodes at a high throughput of 10 pieces per hour and at a remarkable cost of just 1 USD per piece [1].

Significant Reduction in Carbon Emissions

This method not only enhances efficiency but also reduces the environmental impact significantly. According to life-cycle assessment analysis, the carbon emissions associated with producing a single f-TENG using this technique are estimated at 21 kg CO2-equivalent, the lowest recorded for such technologies. This positions these advancements as crucial in meeting the sustainability goals for forthcoming extensive use in wearables and IoT devices, where demand for battery-free solutions is rapidly increasing [1].

Potential for Diverse Applications

Flexible triboelectric nanogenerators have wide-ranging applications, from self-powered optics to on-skin sensor arrays. The roll-to-roll electrochemical reduction and transfer (ERT) technique signifies a substantial leap in the capability to integrate these technologies into versatile applications. Their potential for seamless incorporation into next-generation wearable technologies makes them particularly appealing for innovation managers and engineers focused on pioneering the future of flexible electronics [1].

Addressing Future Demands

Amidst predictions that the demand for small electronic devices will exceed one trillion pieces by 2035, f-TENGs represent a vital development in the flexible electronics sector. By significantly reducing production costs and environmental impact, this advance provides a scalable path towards meeting future global demands for efficient and sustainable technology in consumer electronics [1].

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flexible electronics triboelectric nanogenerators