Self-Powered Microfluidic System Based on Double-Layer Rotational Triboelectric Nanogenerator.
Yiming Zhong1, Haofeng Li1, Dongping Wu1
1State Key Laboratory of Integrated Chips and Systems, College of Integrated Circuits and Micro-Nano Electronics Innovation, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
Micromachines
|December 31, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a self-powered microfluidic system using a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) for autonomous droplet manipulation. It achieves bidirectional control without external electronics, paving the way for portable lab-on-chip devices.
Area of Science:
- Microfluidics
- Nanotechnology
- Energy Harvesting
Background:
- Conventional electrowetting microfluidics require bulky power supplies and complex circuitry.
- Autonomous and portable lab-on-chip technologies are hindered by power source limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a fully self-powered microfluidic system for droplet manipulation.
- To eliminate the need for external electronics and high-voltage supplies in microfluidic devices.
Main Methods:
- Design and integration of a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) with a microfluidic chip.
- Utilizing a 25° phase offset in TENG units for periodic high-voltage generation.
- Employing finite element simulations to analyze electric field distributions and validate the system's operating principle.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated stable droplet transport along various trajectories (linear, S-shaped, circular) without external power.
- Quantified the impact of electrode geometry and rotational speed on droplet volume capacity.
- Achieved instantaneous, bidirectional droplet motion control by reversing TENG rotation direction.
Conclusions:
- The developed TENG-based microfluidic system is voltage-optimized, structurally tunable, and fully self-powered.
- This work presents a novel paradigm for portable digital microfluidics, overcoming limitations of current electrowetting platforms.
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