ZnSnO <sub>3–</sub> Ecoflex/LDH–PU Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Motion‐Activated Battery‐Free Smart Street Lighting
The development of efficient and durable energy harvesting systems is essential for next-generation smart infrastructure. Conventional polymer-based triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) suffer from low dielectric constants and limited polarization, restricting output and lifespan. Here, we present a ZnSnO<sub>3</sub>-doped Ecoflex and layered double hydroxide (LDH)-reinforced polyurethane (PU) nanofiber-based TENG, forming a synergistic triboelectric interface. ZnSnO<sub>3</sub> enhances dielectric response and surface charge generation, while LDH-PU nanofibers improve charge retention and polarization stability. The optimized EZ1/PL5-TENG delivers 186 V peak voltage, 5.6 µA peak current, and 8.84 µC/m<sup>2</sup> surface charge density, maintaining stable performance over 20,000 cycles. The device efficiently converts biomechanical motion into electrical energy, as demonstrated in both wearable flexion sensing and a motion-triggered, battery-free street lighting system that directly powers LEDs. This scalable, flexible TENG platform offers high output, long-term durability, and practical applicability, highlighting its potential for sustainable smart city illumination, sensing networks, and self-powered electronics.
Authors
- Prasad Gajula
- Insun Woo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8984-7053)
- Jae Uk Yoon (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2696-1830)
- Gunasekhar Ramadasu
- Jin Woo Bae
Institutions
- Korea University of Technology and Education (KR)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Small
- Published
- 2026-02-22
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202510831
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 21.28