Structural color and near-infrared tunability of ruthenium-coated anodic aluminum oxide by atomic layer deposition

Here, we systematically investigate optical behaviors of ruthenium (Ru)-coated nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) nanoarchitectures in the visible and near-Infrared (NIR) regions, where they are fabricated by an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process. Depending on the Ru thickness and the AAO dimensions, the Ru nanoarchitectures could be completely changed (tubular-type or wire-type Ru nanostructures), and the corresponding optical properties are critically affected. Brilliant structural colors are found from the Ru-coated AAO nanostructures, in which the color display covers the full visible range. Beyond the visible region, we also examine the optical behaviors of Ru-coated AAO nanostructures in the NIR region. © 2020 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.1

Magnetic Force Enhanced Sustainability and Power of Cam-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator

Since the first invention of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) in 2012, many mechanical systems have been applied to operate TENGs, but mechanical contact losses such as friction and noise are still big obstacles for improving their output performance and sustainability. Here, we report on a magnet-assembled cam-based TENG (MC-TENG), which has enhanced output power and sustainability by utilizing the non-contact repulsive force between the magnets. We investigate the theoretical and experimental dynamic behaviors of MC-TENGs according to the effects of the contact modes, contact and separation times, and contact forces (i.e., pushing and repulsive forces). We suggest an optimized arrangement of magnets for the highest output performance, in which the charging time of the capacitor was 2.59 times faster than in a mechanical cam-based TENG (C-TENG). Finally, we design and demonstrate a MC-TENG-based windmill system to effectively harvest low-speed wind energy, ~4 m/s, which produces very low torque. Thus, it is expected that our frictionless MC-TENG system will provide a sustainable solution for effectively harvesting a broadband of wasted mechanical energies

Recent advances in triboelectric nanogenerators: from technological progress to commercial applications

Serious climate changes and energy-related environmental problems are currently critical issues in the world. In order to reduce carbon emissions and save our environment, renewable energy harvesting technologies will serve as a key solution in the near future. Among them, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), which is one of the most promising mechanical energy harvesters by means of contact electrification phenomenon, are explosively developing due to abundant wasting mechanical energy sources and a number of superior advantages in a wide availability and selection of materials, relatively simple device configurations, and low-cost processing. Significant experimental and theoretical efforts have been achieved toward understanding fundamental behaviors and a wide range of demonstrations since its report in 2012. As a result, considerable technological advancement has been exhibited and it advances the timeline of achievement in the proposed roadmap. Now, the technology has reached the stage of prototype development with verification of performance beyond the lab scale environment toward its commercialization. In this review, distinguished authors in the world worked together to summarize the state of the art in theory, materials, devices, systems, circuits, and applications in TENG fields. The great research achievements of researchers in this field around the world over the past decade are expected to play a major role in coming to fruition of unexpectedly accelerated technological advances over the next decade