Hybrid piezo/triboelectric nanogenerator for stray magnetic energy harvesting and self-powered sensing applications

Stray magnetic fields with a fixed frequency of 50/60 Hz are ubiquitous in buildings, factories, and power system equipment. Researchers are increasingly focusing on harvesting electrical energy from stray magnetic fields to provide sustainable energy for the Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Magneto-mechano-electric energy conversion is the most efficient way to convert low-frequency stray magnetic fields into electricity. In this study, we proposed a hybrid piezo/triboelectric nanogenerator (HP/TENG) on the basis of a cantilever beam to use stray magnetic fields from the surrounding environment. The hybrid nanogenerator provided high output voltage/current and power of ∼176 V/375 μA and 4.7 mW (matched impedance of 20 kΩ) in a magnetic field environment of 4 Oe. The device provided a stable 3.6 V direct current output by incorporating energy management circuitry to sustainably drive power to commercial wireless temperature/humidity sensors. The HP/TENG has a significant application potential in IoT, which can use stray magnetic energy and a power wireless sensor system.