Large-Scale Nanofiber Manufacturing| From Fiber to Power: Recent Advances Toward Electrospun.Based Nanogenerators

AFM Review: From Fibers to Energy: Recent Advances in Electrospun-Based Nanogenerators

With the continuous growth of energy demand, the efficient collection and conversion of low-frequency mechanical energy from the environment has become a key focus for researchers. Nanogenerators, as a new type of energy harvesting device, offer advantages such as small size, high efficiency, environmental friendliness, flexibility, and sustainability. They can convert mechanical energy from the environment into electrical energy through different energy conversion mechanisms. Electrospinning, as one of the preparation methods for nanogenerators, enables the continuous production of micro/nanofibers with high specific surface area, adjustable porosity, and morphological structures, achieving efficient energy conversion in electrospun-based nanogenerators.

Generally, the main advantages of electrospun-based nanogenerators include:
(1) High flexibility and plasticity, suitable for various application requirements;
(2) High sensitivity, as the microstructure and surface morphology of electrospun fibers can respond to tiny vibrations;
(3) Low cost, since electrospinning technology is relatively simple and scalable, allowing for large-scale production at low cost;
(4) Green and sustainable, as electrospun-based nanogenerators can effectively capture and convert small mechanical energy from the environment, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and promoting sustainable energy development.

Therefore, the transformation from "fibers" to "energy" has garnered widespread attention due to the simple preparation, superior performance, and environmental friendliness of electrospun nanogenerators.

Recently, Associate Professor Li Xiuhong from Hubei University of Technology, graduate student Li Jiangzhou, and Professor Liu Yong from Beijing University of Chemical Technology focused on electrospun-based nanogenerators. They systematically collected and reviewed relevant articles on electrospun-based nanogenerators to date, providing an overview of the development of electrospinning and electrospun-based nanogenerators.

The review analyzed the advantages of electrospinning technology over other methods for preparing nanogenerators. By classifying electrospun-based nanogenerators, it highlighted different types and their application scenarios. Two preparation strategies for electrospun-based nanogenerators were summarized: direct electrospinning and secondary molding. Additionally, the review discussed enhancement strategies for improving output performance from various perspectives, including material construction, structural design, and surface engineering.

Finally, the review addressed challenges and future directions in the field of electrospun-based nanogenerators, such as enhancing output power, improving sensitivity and detection range, achieving commercialization, increasing energy conversion efficiency and response speed in storage systems, optimizing self-triggered structural design, extending material lifespan and durability, and reducing energy loss.