POS6-0515
Droplet-based Electricity Generator Using Superhydrophobic Fiber-reinforced Plastic for Self-powered Structures
Topic
S6. Emerging Polymer and Hybrid Materials for Advanced Energy Storage and Conversion
When and Where
Sep 29, 2026
08:30 - 09:30
Room 301 (Grand Ballroom)
Session Chairs
Hae Jung SON
Boseok KANG
Presenter(s)
Jaejin Kim (Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Despite regulations on fossil fuel consumption, its production is expected to exceed the regulated limits. Moreover, as the wearable and battery markets expand, the labor and costs associated with waste disposal are expected to escalate. In nature, there are many energy harvesting sources that can help mitigate the increasing consumption of fossil fuels. Furthermore, low-power devices operated by these sources can help address the battery waste problem.
Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are energy harvesting devices that utilize electrostatic induction and triboelectrification. Due to their high sensitivity, simple structure, and flexible material combinations, TENGs are ideal for self-powered systems.
Liquid-Solid TENG (LS-TENG) has been developed to harvest fine energy from the environment; however, it exhibits low electrical output. To address this limitation, a new device called droplet-based electricity generator (DEG) has been developed. DEG induces an instantaneous open- and closed-circuit when a droplet contacts and separates from the top electrode, providing higher electrical performance compared to LS-TENGs. Current DEGs can be applied to various fields; however, there are concerns about durability degradation due to corrosion and oxide layer formation on the metal electrode surface.
Carbon fiber and carbon fiber-reinforced plastic exhibit outstanding strength, lightweight, and corrosion resistance. Because of these advantages, this study developed a superhydrophobic fiber-reinforced plastic-based DEG (S-FRP-DEG) for structural integration.
Our S-FRP-DEG demonstrated its applicability to structures by exhibiting high durability under harsh conditions, including long-term operation (room temperature, 8,000 s), thermal aging (67.9 °C, 50.4% RH, 47 days), and UV exposure (room temperature, 365 nm, 24 h). Moreover, its functionality was demonstrated by charging capacitors, illuminating LEDs, and implementing a smart stormwater management system.
Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are energy harvesting devices that utilize electrostatic induction and triboelectrification. Due to their high sensitivity, simple structure, and flexible material combinations, TENGs are ideal for self-powered systems.
Liquid-Solid TENG (LS-TENG) has been developed to harvest fine energy from the environment; however, it exhibits low electrical output. To address this limitation, a new device called droplet-based electricity generator (DEG) has been developed. DEG induces an instantaneous open- and closed-circuit when a droplet contacts and separates from the top electrode, providing higher electrical performance compared to LS-TENGs. Current DEGs can be applied to various fields; however, there are concerns about durability degradation due to corrosion and oxide layer formation on the metal electrode surface.
Carbon fiber and carbon fiber-reinforced plastic exhibit outstanding strength, lightweight, and corrosion resistance. Because of these advantages, this study developed a superhydrophobic fiber-reinforced plastic-based DEG (S-FRP-DEG) for structural integration.
Our S-FRP-DEG demonstrated its applicability to structures by exhibiting high durability under harsh conditions, including long-term operation (room temperature, 8,000 s), thermal aging (67.9 °C, 50.4% RH, 47 days), and UV exposure (room temperature, 365 nm, 24 h). Moreover, its functionality was demonstrated by charging capacitors, illuminating LEDs, and implementing a smart stormwater management system.
