Affiliation:
1. National Institute of Fashion Technology, Kannur, India
Abstract
This chapter provides a thorough overview of polymeric energy harvesting materials with an emphasis on their critical function in the production of sustainable energy. It sets the tone for the chapter by underlining the importance of polymeric materials in the context of energy harvesting and tracing the historical development of this sector. It explores the fundamentals of photovoltaic, mechanical, and thermal conversion as energy harvesting sources. The operating principles, uses, and most recent developments of a variety of polymeric energy harvesting technologies, including piezoelectric polymers, triboelectric nanogenerators, electroactive polymers, and photovoltaic polymers, are thoroughly examined. The chapter covers advanced developments, real-world applications, difficulties, sustainability issues, and emerging trends in addition to discussing key material attributes for energy harvesting. This thorough study offers insightful information on the present and projected state of polymeric energy harvesting materials.