Integrated nanogenerators with multimodal excitation and strain matching for frequency broadening and output enhancement

Harvesting mechanical energy from the environment is a viable solution to the distributed power supply needed by the IoT. However, the narrow working frequency, integration difficulties, and large size have prevented current devices from fulfilling their application potential. This paper proposes an integrated multimodal nanogenerator (IMNG) based on a staggered L-shaped structure array. The device structure enables multiple vibration modes to work constructively for a broadened operating frequency range (15–75 Hz). Thanks to the desired matching of device strain distribution with different energy harvesting mechanisms, the optimized and synchronized piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators significantly enhance output performance. The compact and miniaturized configuration (77 mm × 45 mm × 25 mm) allows the device to be deployed in space-constrained environments and harvest low-frequency vibration energy from automobiles. This work provides an effective strategy for frequency expansion, integration, and miniaturization, and promotes the application and development of vibration energy harvesting technology. The integrated multimodal nanogenerator based on a staggered L-shaped beam array and strain matching solves the problems of narrow operating frequency, integration difficulties and large size of current energy harvesters and efficiently harvests broadband energy with compact configuration from a running automobile. • L-shaped arrays broaden the frequency bandwidth and enhance the output by effectively exciting multiple vibration modes . • Piezoelectric and triboelectric energy conversion is synchronized and optimized by matching device strain distribution. • Compact staggered arrays enable efficient use of space and make the device adaptable to space-constrained environments. • Device application in running automobiles demonstrates its ability to harvest vibration energy under practical conditions.