Biomechanical Energy‐Driven Hybridized Generator as a Universal Portable Power Source for Smart/Wearable Electronics

The fast growth of smart electronics requires novel solutions to power them sustainably. Portable power sources capable of harvesting biomechanical energy are a promising modern approach to reduce battery dependency. Herein, a novel elastic impact‐based nonresonant hybridized generator (EINR‐HG) is reported to effectively harvest biomechanical energy from diverse human activities outdoors. Through the rational integration of a nonlinear electromagnetic generator with two contact‐mode triboelectric nanogenerators, the proposed EINR‐HG generates hybrid electrical output simultaneously under the same mechanical excitations. By introducing a flux‐concentrator with a nanowire‐nanofiber surface modification, significant improvement in the energy harvesting efficiency of the EINR‐HG is achieved. After optimizing using simulations and vibration tests, the as‐fabricated EINR‐HG delivers an outstanding normalized power density of 3.13 mW cm^?3 g^?2 across a matching resistance of 1.5 kΩ at 6 Hz under 1 g acceleration. Under human motion testing, the EINR‐HG generates an optimal output power of 131.4 mW with horizontal handshaking. With a customized power management circuit, the EINR‐HG serves as a universal power source that successfully drives commercial smart electronics, including smart bands and smartphones. This work shows the massive potential of biomechanical energy‐driven hybridized generators for powering personal electronics and portable healthcare monitoring devices.     

A Nonencapsulative Pendulum‐Like Paper–Based Hybrid Nanogenerator for Energy Harvesting

The newly invented triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is deemed to be a more efficient strategy than an electromagnetic generator (EMG) in harvesting low‐frequency (<2 Hz) water wave energy. Various TENGs with different structures and functions for blue energy have been developed, which can be roughly divided into two types: liquid–solid contact electrification TENGs and fully enclosed solid–solid contact electrification TENGs. Robustness and packaging are critical factors in the development of TENGs toward practical applications. Furthermore, for fully enclosed TENGs, the requirements and costs of packaging are very high, and they can difficult to disassemble after enclosed, if there is something wrong with the devices. Herein, a nonencapsulative pendulum‐like paper based hybrid nanogenerator for energy harvesting is designed, which mainly consists of three parts, one solar panel, two paper based zigzag multilayered TENGs, and three EMG units. This unique structure reveals the superior robustness and a maximum peak power of zigzag multilayered TENGs up to 22.5 mW is realized. Moreover, the device can be used to collect the mechanical energy of human motion in hand shaking. This work presents a new platform of hybrid generators toward energy harvesting as a portable practical power source, which has potential applications in navigation and lighting.     

A Water‐Proof Triboelectric–Electromagnetic Hybrid Generator for Energy Harvesting in Harsh Environments

Packaging is a critical aspect of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) toward practical applications, since the performance of TENG is greatly affected by environmental conditions such as humidity. A waterproof triboelectric–electromagnetic hybrid generator (WPHG) for harvesting mechanical energy in harsh environments is reported. Since the mechanical transmission from the external mechanical source to the TENG is through a noncontact force between the paired magnets, a fully isolated packaging of TENG part can be easily achieved. At the same time, combining with metal coils, these magnets can be fabricated to be electromagnetic generators (EMG). The characteristics and advantages of outputs from both TENG and EMG are systematically studied and compared to each other. By using transformers and full‐wave rectifiers, 2.3 mA for total short‐circuit current and 5 V for open‐circuit voltage are obtained for WPHG under a rotation speed of 1600 rpm, and it can charge a supercapacitor (20 mF) to 1 V in 22s. Finally, the WPHG is demonstrated to harvest wind energy in the rainy condition and water‐flow energy under water. The reported WPHG renders an effective and sustainable technology for ambient mechanical energy harvesting in harsh environments. Solid progress in both the packaging of TENG and the practical applications of the hybrid generator toward practical power source and self‐powered systems is presented.     

Rational Structure Optimized Hybrid Nanogenerator for Highly Efficient Water Wave Energy Harvesting

Water wave energy is a promising renewable energy source that may alleviate the rising concerns over current resource depletion, but it is rarely exploited due to the lack of efficient energy harvesting technologies. In this work, a hybrid system with a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and an electromagnetic generator (EMG) based on an optimized inner topological structure is reported to effectively harvest water wave energy. The TENG with etched polytetrafluoroethylene films and Cu electrodes utilizing the contact‐freestanding mode is designed into a cubic structure, in which the EMG is well hybridized. An integration of TENG and EMG achieves mutual compensation of their own merits, enabling the hybrid system to deliver satisfactory output over a broad range of operation frequency. The output performance of TENG with varied inner topological structures is experimentally and theoretically compared, and a concept is proposed to further clarify the energy conversion efficiency, which should be considered in designing energy harvesting devices. The influences of oscillation frequency, amplitude, and dielectric materials on the output performance of the hybrid system are comprehensively studied on different platforms. Furthermore, the optimum operation frequency ranges for TENG and EMG are concluded. The proposed hybrid nanogenerator renders an effective approach toward large‐scale blue energy harvesting over a broad frequency range.     

Efficient Perovskite Photovoltaic‐Thermoelectric Hybrid Device

An efficient perovskite photovoltaic‐thermoelectric hybrid device is demonstrated by integrating the hole‐conductor‐free perovskite solar cell based on TiO₂/ZrO₂/carbon structure and the thermoelectric generator. The whole solar spectrum of AM 1.5 G is fully utilized with the ≈1.55 eV band gap perovskite (5‐AVA)_x(MA)_1?xPbI₃ absorbing the visible light and the carbon back contact absorbing the infrared light. The added thermoelectric generator improves the device performance by converting the thermal energy into electricity via the Seebeck effect. An optimized hybrid device is obtained with a maximum point power output of 20.3% and open‐circuit voltage of 1.29 V under the irradiation of 100 mW cm^?2.     

Wearable All‐Fabric‐Based Triboelectric Generator for Water Energy Harvesting

Realizing energy harvesting from water flow using triboelectric generators (TEGs) based on our daily wearable fabric or textile has practical significance. Challenges remain on methods to fabricate conformable TEGs that can be easily incorporated into waterproof textile, or directly harvest energy from water using hydrophobic textile. Herein, a wearable all‐fabric‐based TEG for water energy harvesting, with additional self‐cleaning and antifouling properties is reported for the first time. Hydrophobic cellulose oleoyl ester nanoparticles (HCOENPs) are prepared from microcrystalline cellulose, as a low‐cost and nontoxic coating material to achieve superhydrophobic coating on fabrics, including cotton, silk, flax, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (nylon), and polyurethane. The resultant PET fabric‐based water‐TEG can generate an instantaneous output power density of 0.14 W m^?2 at a load resistance of 100 MΩ. An all‐fabric‐based dual‐mode TEG is further realized to harvest both the electrostatic energy and mechanical energy of water, achieving the maximum instantaneous output power density of 0.30 W m^?2. The HCOENPs‐coated fabric provides excellent breathability, washability, and environmentally friendly fabric‐based TEGs, making it a promising wearable self‐powered system.     

Freely Shapable and 3D Porous Carbon Nanotube Foam Using Rapid Solvent Evaporation Method for Flexible Thermoelectric Power Generators

A rapid solvent evaporation method based on the triple point of a processing solvent is presented to prepare carbon nanotube (CNT) foam with a porous structure for thermoelectric (TE) power generators. The rapid solvent evaporation process allows the preparation of CNT foam with various sizes and shapes. The obtained highly porous CNT foam with porosity exceeding 90% exhibits a low thermal conductivity of 0.17 W m^?1 K^?1 with increased phonon scattering, which is 100 times lower than that of a CNT film with a densely packed network. The aforementioned structural and thermal properties of the CNT foam are advantageous to develop a sufficient temperature gradient between the hot and cold parts to enhance TE output characteristics. To improve the electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient further, p‐ and n‐molecular dopants are easily introduced into the CNT foam, and the optimized condition is investigated based on the TE properties. Finally, optimized p‐ and n‐doped CNT foams are used to fabricate a vertical and flexible TE power generator with a combination of series and parallel mixed circuits. The maximum output power and output power per weight of the TE generator reach 1.5 µW and 82 µW g^?1, respectively, at a temperature difference of 13.9 K.     

Fiber‐Based Thermoelectric Generators: Materials,Device Structures,Fabrication, Characterization,and Applications

Fiber‐based flexible thermoelectric energy generators are 3D deformable, lightweight, and desirable for applications in large‐area waste heat recovery, and as energy suppliers for wearable or mobile electronic systems in which large mechanical deformations, high energy conversion efficiency, and electrical stability are greatly demanded. These devices can be manufactured at low or room temperature under ambient conditions by established industrial processes, offering cost‐effective and reliable products in mass quantity. This article presents a critical overview and review of state‐of‐the‐art fiber‐based thermoelectric generators, covering their operational principle, materials, device structures, fabrication methods, characterization, and potential applications. Scientific and practical challenges along with critical issues and opportunities are also discussed.     

Self‐Powered Wireless Sensor Node Enabled by a Duck‐Shaped Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Harvesting Water Wave Energy

This paper presents a fully enclosed duck‐shaped triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) for effectively scavenging energy from random and low‐frequency water waves. The design of the TENG incorporates the freestanding rolling mode and the pitch motion of a duck‐shaped structure generated by incident waves. By investigating the material and structural features, a unit of the TENG device is successfully designed. Furthermore, a hybrid system is constructed using three units of the TENG device. The hybrid system achieves an instantaneous peak current of 65.5 µA with an instantaneous output power density of up to 1.366 W m^?2. Following the design, a fluid–solid interaction analysis is carried out on one duck‐shaped TENG to understand the dynamic behavior, mechanical efficiency, and stability of the device under various water wave conditions. In addition, the hybrid system is experimentally tested to enable a commercial wireless temperature sensor node. In summary, the unique duck‐shaped TENG shows a simple, cost‐effective, environmentally friendly, light‐weight, and highly stable system. The newly designed TENG is promising for building a network of generators to harvest existing blue energy in oceans, lakes, and rivers.     

Development of a sexual dimorphism in a central pattern generator driving a rhythmic behavior: The role of glia‐mediated potassium buffering in the pacemaker nucleus of the weakly electric fish Apteronotus leptorhynchus

Central pattern generators play a critical role in the neural control of rhythmic behaviors. One of their characteristic features is the ability to modulate the oscillatory output. An important yet little‐studied type of modulation involves the generation of oscillations that are sexually dimorphic in frequency. In the weakly electric fish Apteronotus leptorhynchus, the pacemaker nucleus serves as a central pattern generator that drives the electric organ discharge of the fish in a one‐to‐one fashion. Males discharge at higher frequencies than females—a sexual dimorphism that develops under the influence of steroid hormones. The two principal neurons that constitute the oscillatory network of the pacemaker nucleus are the pacemaker and relay cells. Whereas the number and size of the pacemaker and relay cells are sexually monomorphic, pronounced sex‐dependent differences exist in the morphology, and subcellular properties of astrocytes, which form a syncytium closely associated with these neurons. In females, compared to males, the astrocytic syncytium covers a larger area surrounding the pacemaker and relay cells and exhibits higher levels of expression of connexin‐43 expression. The latter indicates a strong gap‐junction coupling of the individual cells within the syncytium. It is hypothesized that these sex‐specific differences result in an increased capacity for buffering of extracellular potassium ions, thereby lowering the potassium equilibrium potential, which, in turn, leads to a decrease in the oscillation frequency. This hypothesis has received strong support from simulations based on computational models of individual neurons and the whole neural network of the pacemaker nucleus.     

Evidence that dirty electricity is causing the worldwide epidemics of obesity and diabetes

The epidemics of obesity and diabetes most apparent in recent years had their origins with Thomas Edison’s development of distributed electricity in New York City in 1882. His original direct current (DC) generators suffered serious commutator brush arcing which is a major source of high-frequency voltage transients (dirty electricity). From the onset of the electrical grid, electrified populations have been exposed to dirty electricity. Diesel generator sets are a major source of dirty electricity today and are used almost universally to electrify small islands and places unreachable by the conventional electric grid. This accounts for the fact that diabetes prevalence, fasting plasma glucose and obesity are highest on small islands and other places electrified by generator sets and lowest in places with low levels of electrification like sub-Saharan Africa and east and Southeast Asia.     

Pattern generation

Central pattern generators are neuronal ensembles capable of producing the basic spatiotemporal patterns underlying ‘automatic’ movements (e.g. locomotion, respiration, swallowing and defense reactions), in the absence of peripheral feedback. Different experimental approaches, from classical electrophysiological and pharmacological methods to molecular and genetic ones, have been used to understand the cellular and synaptic bases of central pattern generator organization and reconfiguration of generator operation in behaviorally relevant contexts. Recently, it has been shown that the high reliability and flexibility of central pattern generators is determined by their redundant organization. Everything that is crucial for generator operation is determined by a number of complementary mechanisms acting in concert; however, various mechanisms are weighted differently in determining different aspects of central pattern generator operation.     

Design and Development of Micro-Power Generating Device for Biomedical Applications of Lab-on-a-Disc

The development of micro-power generators for centrifugal microfluidic discs enhances the platform as a green point-of-care diagnostic system and eliminates the need for attaching external peripherals to the disc. In this work, we present micro-power generators that harvest energy from the disc’s rotational movement to power biomedical applications on the disc. To implement these ideas, we developed two types of micro-power generators using piezoelectric films and an electromagnetic induction system. The piezoelectric-based generator takes advantage of the film’s vibration during the disc’s rotational motion, whereas the electromagnetic induction-based generator operates on the principle of current generation in stacks of coil exposed to varying magnetic flux. We have successfully demonstrated that at the spinning speed of 800 revolutions per minute (RPM) the piezoelectric film-based generator is able to produce up to 24 microwatts using 6 sets of films and the magnetic induction-based generator is capable of producing up to 125 milliwatts using 6 stacks of coil. As a proof of concept, a custom made localized heating system was constructed to test the capability of the magnetic induction-based generator. The heating system was able to achieve a temperature of 58.62°C at 2200 RPM. This development of lab-on-a-disc micro power generators preserves the portability standards and enhances the future biomedical applications of centrifugal microfluidic platforms.     

Hybrid speciation in sparrows I: phenotypic intermediacy,genetic admixture and barriers to gene flow

Homoploid hybrid speciation is thought to require unusual circumstances to yield reproductive isolation from the parental species, and few examples are known from nature. Here, we present genetic evidence for this mode of speciation in birds. Using Bayesian assignment analyses of 751 individuals genotyped for 14 unlinked, nuclear microsatellite loci, we show that the phenotypically intermediate Italian sparrow (Passer italiae) does not form a cluster of its own, but instead exhibits clear admixture (over its entire breeding range) between its putative parental species, the house sparrow (P. domesticus) and the Spanish sparrow (P. hispaniolensis). Further, the Italian sparrow possesses mitochondrial (mt) DNA haplotypes identical to both putative parental species (although mostly of house sparrow type), indicating a recent hybrid origin. Today, the Italian sparrow has a largely allopatric distribution on the Italian peninsula and some Mediterranean islands separated from its suggested parental species by the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea, but co‐occurs with the Spanish sparrow on the Gargano peninsula in southeast Italy. No evidence of interbreeding was found in this sympatric population. However, the Italian sparrow hybridizes with the house sparrow in a sparsely populated contact zone in the Alps. Yet, the contact zone is characterized by steep clines in species‐specific male plumage traits, suggesting that partial reproductive isolation may also have developed between these two taxa. Thus, geographic and reproductive barriers restrict gene flow into the nascent hybrid species. We propose that an origin of hybrid species where the hybrid lineage gets geographically isolated from its parental species, as seems to have happened in this system, might be more common in nature than previously assumed.     

Robust Triboelectric Nanogenerator Achieved by Centrifugal Force Induced Automatic Working Mode Transition

Material abrasion in contact‐based freestanding mode‐triboelectric nanogenerators (FS‐TENGs) seriously deteriorates device mechanical durability and electrical stability, which causes TENGs to be only applicable in the harvesting of mechanical energy at low‐frequency. Here, a wide‐frequency and ultra‐robust rotational TENG is reported that is composed of a built‐in traction rope structure and capable of transforming from contact mode to non‐contact mode automatically as driven by the centrifugal force. With optimizing the fixed x and y position on slider and center shaft, respectively, the mode transition threshold speed can be reduced to 225 rpm. Additionally, the automatic working mode transition TENG exhibits excellent electrical stability, which can maintain 90% electric output after over 24 h of continuous operation, while the contact and non‐contact mode TENGs only retain 30% and 2% output, respectively. The high stability and large output density ensure its usage in the fast and effective charging of commercial capacitors or electronics. This work provides a prospective strategy for rotational TENGs to extend the frequency operation region and mechanical durability for practical applications.     

Molecular mechanisms of homeostatic plasticity in central pattern generator networks

Central pattern generator (CPG) networks rely on a balance of intrinsic and network properties to produce reliable, repeatable activity patterns. This balance is maintained by homeostatic plasticity where alterations in neuronal properties dynamically maintain appropriate neural output in the face of changing environmental conditions and perturbations. However, it remains unclear just how these neurons and networks can both monitor their ongoing activity and use this information to elicit homeostatic physiological responses to ensure robustness of output over time. Evidence exists that CPG networks use a mixed strategy of activity‐dependent, activity‐independent, modulator‐dependent, and synaptically regulated homeostatic plasticity to achieve this critical stability. In this review, we focus on some of the current understanding of the molecular pathways and mechanisms responsible for this homeostatic plasticity in the context of central pattern generator function, with a special emphasis on some of the smaller invertebrate networks that have allowed for extensive cellular‐level analyses that have brought recent insights to these questions.     

A Comparison of Two Ultrasonic Methods for Detaching Biofilms from Natural Substrata

Two types of ultrasound applications are commonly used in order to remove bacteria from sediment for subsequent direct enumeration: ultrasonic baths and narrow tip ultrasonic generators. By measuring four parameters (total number of bacteria, number of ETS‐active bacteria, amount of proteins and weight of fine sediment obtained in sonicated juices), we compared the biofilm removal of the optimal ultrasound exposure time previously obtained using the ultrasonic bath with the removal by a method using a narrow tip ultrasonic generator. To obtain comparable removal efficiencies estimated by protein contents in sonicated juices, the ultrasonic bath method required an ultrasound exposure time more than 10 times that with a narrow tip ultrasonic generator. Furthermore, the two methods provided significantly different bacterial counts because of an alteration of the sediment with the ultrasonic bath. Thus, a narrow tip ultrasonic generator is more suitable than an ultrasonic bath for the analysis of biofilms developed on sand.     

Highly Flexible and Transparent Polyionic‐Skin Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Biomechanical Motion Harvesting

The advances of flexible electronics have raised demand for power sources with adaptability, flexibility, and multifunctionalities. Triboelectric nanogenerators are promising replacements for traditional batteries. Here, a highly soft skin‐like, transparent, and easily adaptable biomechanical energy harvester, based on a hybrid elastomer and with a polyionic hydrogel as the electrification layer and current collector, is developed. By harvesting the energy in human motion, the device generates an open‐circuit voltage of 70 V, a short‐circuit current density of 30.2 mA m^?2, and a maximum power density of 2.79 W m^?2 in a single‐electrode working mode. Further, it is demonstrated that the device can deliver power under bending, curling or by simple tapping when attached to human skin. In addition, the optimal counterpart of the polyionic layer with highest electronegativity difference is selected from a series of contact electrification materials based on a two‐electrode working mode, where a flexible device with the matching counterparts is investigated. Serving as ionic conductor and electrification layer, this polyionic material shows promising application in future development of self‐powered flexible electronics.     

Development of rhythmic pattern generators

In contrast to the wealth of knowledge about the organizational rules of adult central pattern generators, far less is known about how these networks are assembled during development. The basic architecture for adult central pattern generators appears early in development but different generators may follow completely different developmental pathways to reach maturity. Recent evidence suggests that neuromodulatory inputs, in addition to their short-term adaptive control of central pattern generator activity, play a crucial role in both the final developmental tuning and the long-term maintenance of adult network function.     

Neuromodulation of central pattern generators in invertebrates and vertebrates

Central pattern generators are subject to extensive modulation that generates flexibility in the rhythmic outputs of these neural networks. The effects of neuromodulators interact with one another, and modulatory neurons are themselves often subject to modulation, enabling both higher order control and indirect interactions among central pattern generators. In addition, modulators often directly mediate the interactions between functionally related central pattern generators. In systems such as the vertebrate respiratory central pattern generator, multiple pacemaker types interact to produce rhythmic output. Modulators can then alter the relative contributions of the different pacemakers, leading to substantial changes in motor output and hence to different behaviors. Surprisingly, substantial changes in some aspects of the circuitry of a central pattern generator, such as a several-fold increase in synaptic strength, can sometimes have little effect on the output of the CPG, whereas other changes have profound effects.