Self‐Powered Piezoelectric Actuation Systems Based on Triboelectric Nanogenerator

Abstract

AbstractSustainable power supply via triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is attractive for self‐powered actuation systems in the era of the Internet of Things (IoTs). Herein, a low‐power actuation scheme enabled by the multilayered TENG for piezoelectric actuators, including the stack, unimorph, and micro‐fiber composite (MFC) actuator, is reported. The working principles of TENG‐powered piezoelectric actuators and their displacement characteristics in direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) modes are theoretically investigated. Compared with conventional high‐voltage power sources, the multilayered TENG delivers a maximum power of only 10.17 mW, providing a low‐power alternative for piezoelectric actuator with self‐powered capability and operational safety. Meanwhile, the hysteresis of the stack actuator that is critical in precise positioning control is reduced by 58.1%. A precise positioning system is demonstrated by utilizing the TENG‐powered stack actuator as an object stage for microscope focusing applications. The feasibility of vibration control with a 76.7% reduction in vibration amplitude is also verified via two TENG‐powered MFC actuators. A rectifying control circuit comprising the rectifier and gas discharging tube is established to implement AC–DC conversion and discharging control, achieving a larger displacement of the unimorph actuator. The TENG‐powered piezoelectric micropump demonstrates its potential application in liquid transport through straightforward operation.