An ultrahigh performance hybrid energy harvester leveraging the induced charge excitation strategy†

Abstract

Hybrid energy harvesters offer promising solutions for powering distributed sensors. However, achieving optimal synergy among multiple energy sources to attain superior performance remains challenging. Herein, we proposed an ultrahigh performance electric-field and vibration hybrid energy harvester, leveraging the induced charge excitation strategy (ICE-EVH). Induced charges generated by the electric-field energy harvester are pumped into a contact-separation triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) to provide charge excitation. Subsequently, the mechanical motion of TENG-electrodes boosts the electric potential of induced charges and the output energy. This hybrid paradigm enables effective synergy for harvesting electric-field and vibration energy with highly-efficient hybrid power management and ultrahigh energy density. The peak and average power densities reach 5.15 MW m⁻² and 1.02 W m⁻², respectively, significantly surpassing the combined output of individual harvesters and demonstrating a “1 + 1 > 2” hybrid performance. Finally, an all-in-one ICE-EVH prototype was developed, which successfully powered a wireless camera. This work provides new insights for designing high-performance hybrid nanogenerators with broad application potential.