Large-Scale Applications of Triboelectric, Piezoelectric, and Pyroelectric Nanogenerators

Since traditional energy sources are depleting, a renewable power source to meet energy needs is critical in modern society. Well-known renewable sources such as, bio, hydro, wind, and solar energy can help to meet the requirement for energy on a megawatt to gigawatt scale. Booming the Internet of Things (IoT) age, nanoenergy-based nanogenerators (NGs) are the emergent technology enables self-powered systems, versatile and portable electronics (IoT), and sensors. NGs can harness small-scale power from the surrounding environment and make it useable. NGs are based on piezoelectric, triboelectric, and pyroelectric effects. They are also known for transforming ambient energy harvesting due to their lightweight, easily fabricated, long-lasting, and maintenance-free devices. The fundamentals, recent advances, and applications of NGs in wind, blue energy harvesting, self-powered sensors, and their combination with solar photovoltaics are summarized in this chapter.