Optical fiber-based core-shell coaxially structured hybrid cells for self-powered nanosystems

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Energy Harvesting
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Traditional energy harvesting devices often focus on a single energy source.
• Integrating multiple energy harvesting mechanisms can lead to more versatile power solutions.
• Optical fiber platforms offer unique structural and integration possibilities for energy devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a novel 3D hybrid cell integrating a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) and a nanogenerator (NG) within an optical fiber.
• To investigate the simultaneous or independent harvesting of solar and mechanical energy.
• To characterize the complementary electrical outputs of the hybrid device for potential applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a coaxially structured hybrid cell using optical fiber.
• Integration of DSSC components for solar energy conversion.
• Integration of NG components for mechanical energy conversion.
• Electrical characterization of the hybrid cell under different energy inputs.

Main Results:

• Successful demonstration of a 3D hybrid cell capable of harvesting both solar and mechanical energy.
• The dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) component predominantly contributes to the current output.
• The nanogenerator (NG) component predominantly contributes to the voltage output.
• The hybrid cell achieved an output of approximately 7.65 μA current and 3.3 V voltage.

Conclusions:

• The developed optical fiber-based hybrid cell offers a dual-mode energy harvesting capability.
• The complementary current and voltage outputs from DSSC and NG components allow for flexible application design.
• The achieved output is sufficient for powering various nanodevices and commercial electronic components, highlighting its practical potential.