MEDL Multiscale Energy Device Laboratory
Research topics
- Nano-/Micro-structured surface
- Engineering design based high output energy harvester
- Liquid based long lifespan energy harvester
- Self-powered sensor
- Energy loss recovery system
- Electrical Stimulation for cell vitalization
Liquid based long lifespan energy harvester
1. Water based energy harvester
Water, which covers 70% of the Earth's surface and serves as a promising alternative energy source, can be used in hydropower generation. In our group, electrokinetic phenomena and contact electrification, which originate from the interfacial double layer inside water, are used for electric power generation methods. Our approach is a simple, high-power hydropower design for a variety of everyday electrical device applications.
2. Hydrophobic surface
Both solid–solid and liquid–solid contact TENGs have distinct characteristics due to their different physical phases. Due to this difference, these two TENGs require different material properties; triboelectric materials in solid–solid TENGs require high mechanical properties for a long lifespan, and the surface of liquid–solid contact TENGs needs to be water repellent for constant liquid separation. Thus, our group studies a unified TENG surface that is capable of effectively harvesting electrical energy from both solid–solid and liquid–solid contacts.
3. Nonpolar liquid lubricant-based energy harvester
Our group utilizes a nonpolar liquid lubricant such as mineral oil and silicone oil, which have a larger Debye length than polar liquids. Nonpolar liquid lubricant can suppress air breakdown caused by the high surface charge and reduce the friction wear. Through this, the use of a nonpolar liquid lubricant can improve the electrical and mechanical performance of triboelectric nanogenerators.
