A Novel DNA Synthesis Platform Design with High-Throughput Paralleled Addressability and High-Density Static Droplet Confinement.

Using DNA as the next-generation medium for data storage offers unparalleled advantages in terms of data density, storage duration, and power consumption as compared to existing data storage technologies. To meet the high-speed data writing requirements in DNA data storage, this paper proposes a novel design for an ultra-high-density and high-throughput DNA synthesis platform. The presented design mainly leverages two functional modules: a dynamic random-access memory (DRAM)-like integrated circuit (IC) responsible for electrode addressing and voltage supply, and the static droplet array (SDA)-based microfluidic structure to eliminate any reaction species diffusion concern in electrochemical DNA synthesis. Through theoretical analysis and simulation studies, we validate the effective addressing of 10 million electrodes and stable, adjustable voltage supply by the integrated circuit. We also demonstrate a reaction unit size down to 3.16 × 3.16 µm2, equivalent to 10 million/cm2, that can rapidly and stably generate static droplets at each site, effectively constraining proton diffusion. Finally, we conducted a synthesis cycle experiment by incorporating fluorescent beacons on a microfabricated electrode array to examine the feasibility of our design.

From Body Monitoring to Biomolecular Sensing: Current Progress and Future Perspectives of Triboelectric Nanogenerators in Point-of-Care Diagnostics.

In the constantly evolving field of medical diagnostics, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) stand out as a groundbreaking innovation for simultaneously harnessing mechanical energy from micromovements and sensing stimuli from both the human body and the ambient environment. This advancement diminishes the dependence of biosensors on external power sources and paves the way for the application of TENGs in self-powered medical devices, especially in the realm of point-of-care diagnostics. In this review, we delve into the functionality of TENGs in point-of-care diagnostics. First, from the basic principle of how TENGs effectively transform subtle physical movements into electrical energy, thereby promoting the development of self-powered biosensors and medical devices that are particularly advantageous for real-time biological monitoring. Then, the adaptable design of TENGs that facilitate customization to meet individual patient needs is introduced, with a focus on their biocompatibility and safety in medical applications. Our in-depth analysis also covers TENG-based biosensor designs moving toward exceptional sensitivity and specificity in biomarker detection, for accurate and efficient diagnoses. Challenges and future prospects such as the integration of TENGs into wearable and implantable devices are also discussed. We aim for this review to illuminate the burgeoning field of TENG-based intelligent devices for continuous, real-time health monitoring; and to inspire further innovation in this captivating area of research that is in line with patient-centered healthcare.

Porous Polymer Materials in Triboelectric Nanogenerators: A Review.

Since the invention of the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), porous polymer materials (PPMs), with different geometries and topologies, have been utilized to enhance the output performance and expand the functionality of TENGs. In this review, the basic characteristics and preparation methods of various PPMs are introduced, along with their applications in TENGs on the basis of their roles as electrodes, triboelectric surfaces, and structural materials. According to the pore size and dimensionality, various types of TENGs that are built with hydrogels, aerogels, foams, and fibrous media are classified and their advantages and disadvantages are analyzed. To deepen the understanding of the future development trend, their intelligent and multifunctional applications in human-machine interfaces, smart wearable devices, and self-powering sensors are introduced. Finally, the future directions and challenges of PPMs in TENGs are explored to provide possible guidance on PPMs in various TENG-based intelligent devices and systems.

From Biochemical Sensor to Wearable Device: The Key Role of the Conductive Polymer in the Triboelectric Nanogenerator.

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have revolutionized energy harvesting and active sensing, holding tremendous potential in personalized healthcare, sustainable diagnoses, and green energy applications. In these scenarios, conductive polymers play a vital role in enhancing the performance of both TENG and TENG-based biosensors, enabling the development of flexible, wearable, and highly sensitive diagnostic devices. This review summarizes the impact of conductive polymers on TENG-based sensors, focusing on their contributions to triboelectric properties, sensitivity, detection limits, and wearability. We discuss various strategies for incorporating conductive polymers into TENG-based biosensors, promoting the creation of innovative and customizable devices tailored for specific healthcare applications. Additionally, we consider the potential of integrating TENG-based sensors with energy storage devices, signal conditioning circuits, and wireless communication modules, ultimately leading to the development of advanced, self-powered diagnostic systems. Finally, we outline the challenges and future directions in developing TENGs that integrate conducting polymers for personalized healthcare, emphasizing the need to improve biocompatibility, stability, and device integration for practical applications.

The Integration of Triboelectric Nanogenerators and Supercapacitors: The Key Role of Cellular Materials.

The growing demand for sustainable and efficient energy harvesting and storage technologies has spurred interest in the integration of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) with supercapacitors (SCs). This combination offers a promising solution for powering Internet of Things (IoT) devices and other low-power applications by utilizing ambient mechanical energy. Cellular materials, featuring unique structural characteristics such as high surface-to-volume ratios, mechanical compliance, and customizable properties, have emerged as essential components in this integration, enabling the improved performance and efficiency of TENG-SC systems. In this paper, we discuss the key role of cellular materials in enhancing TENG-SC systems' performance through their influence on contact area, mechanical compliance, weight, and energy absorption. We highlight the benefits of cellular materials, including increased charge generation, optimized energy conversion efficiency, and adaptability to various mechanical sources. Furthermore, we explore the potential for lightweight, low-cost, and customizable cellular materials to expand the applicability of TENG-SC systems in wearable and portable devices. Finally, we examine the dual effect of cellular materials' damping and energy absorption properties, emphasizing their potential to protect TENGs from damage and increase overall system efficiency. This comprehensive overview of the role of cellular materials in the integration of TENG-SC aims to provide insights into the development of next-generation sustainable energy harvesting and storage solutions for IoT and other low-power applications.

Modular Design in Triboelectric Sensors: A Review on the Clinical Applications for Real-Time Diagnosis.

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have garnered considerable interest as a promising technology for energy harvesting and stimulus sensing. While TENGs facilitate the generation of electricity from micro-motions, the modular design of TENG-based modular sensing systems (TMSs) also offers significant potential for powering biosensors and other medical devices, thus reducing dependence on external power sources and enabling biological processes to be monitored in real time. Moreover, TENGs can be customised and personalized to address individual patient needs while ensuring biocompatibility and safety, ultimately enhancing the efficiency and security of diagnosis and treatment. In this review, we concentrate on recent advancements in the modular design of TMSs for clinical applications with an emphasis on their potential for personalised real-time diagnosis. We also examine the design and fabrication of TMSs, their sensitivity and specificity, and their capabilities of detecting biomarkers for disease diagnosis and monitoring. Furthermore, we investigate the application of TENGs to energy harvesting and real-time monitoring in wearable and implantable medical devices, underscore the promising prospects of personalised and modular TMSs in advancing real-time diagnosis for clinical applications, and offer insights into the future direction of this burgeoning field.

Smart Triboelectric Nanogenerators Based on Stimulus-Response Materials: From Intelligent Applications to Self-Powered Systems.

Smart responsive materials can react to external stimuli via a reversible mechanism and can be directly combined with a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) to deliver various intelligent applications, such as sensors, actuators, robots, artificial muscles, and controlled drug delivery. Not only that, mechanical energy in the reversible response of innovative materials can be scavenged and transformed into decipherable electrical signals. Because of the high dependence of amplitude and frequency on environmental stimuli, self-powered intelligent systems may be thus built and present an immediate response to stress, electrical current, temperature, magnetic field, or even chemical compounds. This review summarizes the recent research progress of smart TENGs based on stimulus-response materials. After briefly introducing the working principle of TENG, we discuss the implementation of smart materials in TENGs with a classification of several sub-groups: shape-memory alloy, piezoelectric materials, magneto-rheological, and electro-rheological materials. While we focus on their design strategy and function collaboration, applications in robots, clinical treatment, and sensors are described in detail to show the versatility and promising future of smart TNEGs. In the end, challenges and outlooks in this field are highlighted, with an aim to promote the integration of varied advanced intelligent technologies into compact, diverse functional packages in a self-powered mode.

Adaptive Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Long-Term Self-Treatment: A Review.

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) were initially invented as an innovative energy-harvesting technology for scavenging mechanical energy from our bodies or the ambient environment. Through adaptive customization design, TENGs have also become a promising player in the self-powered wearable medical market for improving physical fitness and sustaining a healthy lifestyle. In addition to simultaneously harvesting our body's mechanical energy and actively detecting our physiological parameters and metabolic status, TENGs can also provide personalized medical treatment solutions in a self-powered modality. This review aims to cover the recent advances in TENG-based electronics in clinical applications, beginning from the basic working principles of TENGs and their general operation modes, continuing to the harvesting of bioenergy from the human body, and arriving at their adaptive design toward applications in chronic disease diagnosis and long-term clinical treatment. Considering the highly personalized usage scenarios, special attention is paid to customized modules that are based on TENGs and support complex medical treatments, where sustainability, biodegradability, compliance, and bio-friendliness may be critical for the operation of clinical systems. While this review provides a comprehensive understanding of TENG-based clinical devices that aims to reach a high level of technological readiness, the challenges and shortcomings of TENG-based clinical devices are also highlighted, with the expectation of providing a useful reference for the further development of such customized healthcare systems and the transfer of their technical capabilities into real-life patient care.

Structural Flexibility in Triboelectric Nanogenerators: A Review on the Adaptive Design for Self-Powered Systems.

There is an increasing need for structural flexibility in self-powered wearable electronics and other Internet of Things (IoT), where adaptable triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) play a key role in realizing the true potential of IoT by endowing the latter with self-sustainability. Thus, in this review, the topic was restricted to the adaptive design of TENGs with structural flexibility that aims to promote the sustainable operation of various smart electronics. This review begins with an emphatical discussion of the concept of flexible electronics and TENGs, and continues with the introduction of TENG-based self-powered intelligent systems while placing the emphasis on self-powered flexible intelligent devices. Self-powered healthcare sensors, e-skins, and other intelligent wearable electronics with enhanced intelligence and efficiency in practical applications due to the integration with TENGs are illustrated, along with an emphasis on the design strategy of structural flexibility of TENGs and the associated integration schemes. This review aims to cover recent achievements in the field of self-powered systems, and provides information on how flexibility or adaptability in TENGs can be adopted, their types, and why they are required in promoting advanced IoT applications with sustainability and intelligence algorithms.

Potassium Polyacrylate-Based Gel Polymer Electrolyte for Practical Zn-Ni Batteries.

Because of their high theoretical value of volumetric energy density, excellent rate performance, and high level of safety, zinc-nickel batteries (ZNBs) show potential applications for uninterrupted power supply (UPS) systems. However, despite all the advantages of ZNBs, the commercial application of ZNBs has been prevented by their short lifetime caused by the shape change, the corrosion, and the dendrite formation of the Zn anode. In this work, we proposed a flexible and durable potassium polyacrylate (PAAK)-KOH gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) prepared in a very simple way to solve the above problems of the Zn anode. The obtained highly porous gel electrolyte showed higher water retention, satisfying ionic conductivity (0.918 S cm-1), and a broad electrochemical stable voltage window. By providing a stable and homogeneous electrode/electrolyte interface for the Zn anode, the gel electrolyte can inhibit the uneven deposition and dendrite formation. As a result, the gel electrolyte greatly prolonged the cycling life to 776 h. In addition, because of the considerably batter corrosion resistance of the Zn anode in the PAAK-KOH GPE, the ZNB with gel electrolyte also exhibited a superior shelf life of more than 431 h and a superior cycling performance under float charge for more than 400 h at 60 °C. This work demonstrates that the gel electrolyte with a simple preparation method is suitable for large-scale practical production and can be successfully used in Zn-Ni batteries as an electrolyte exhibiting excellent performance.

Biodegradable Polymers in Triboelectric Nanogenerators.

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have attracted much attention because they not only efficiently harvest energy from the surrounding environment and living organisms but also serve as multifunctional sensors toward the detection of various chemical and physical stimuli. In particular, biodegradable TENG (BD-TENG) represents an emerging type of self-powered device that can be degraded, either in physiological environments as an implantable power source without the necessity of second surgery for device retrieval, or in the ambient environment to minimize associated environmental pollution. Such TENGs or TNEG-based self-powered devices can find important applications in many scenarios, such as tissue regeneration, drug release, pacemakers, etc. In this review, the recent progress of TENGs developed on the basis of biodegradable polymers is comprehensively summarized. Material strategies and fabrication schemes of biodegradable and self-powered devices are thoroughly introduced according to the classification of plant-degradable polymer, animal-degradable polymer, and synthetic degradable polymer. Finally, current problems, challenges, and potential opportunities for the future development of BD-TENGs are discussed. We hope this work may provide new insights for modulating the design of BD-TNEGs that can be beneficial for both environmental protection and healthcare.

Root Reason for the Failure of a Practical Zn-Ni Battery: Shape Changing Caused by Uneven Current Distribution and Zn Dissolution.

In recent years, with the increasing application of lithium-ion batteries in energy storage devices, fire accidents caused by lithium-ion batteries have become more frequent and have arisen wide concern. Due to the safety of aqueous electrolyte, aqueous Zn-based batteries have attracted vast attention, among which Zn-Ni batteries stand out by virtue of their excellent rate performance and environmental friendliness. However, poor cycling life limits the application of Zn-Ni batteries. To figure out the main cause, a failure analysis of a practical Zn-Ni battery has been carried out. During the cycling of the Zn-Ni battery, the evolution of gas, the shape changing, and the aggregation of additive and binder of Zn anode can be observed. Combined with the finite element analysis, we finally reveal that the key factor of battery failure is the shape changing of the Zn anode caused by uneven current distribution and the dissolution of Zn. The shape changing of the Zn anode reduces the effective surface area of anode and increases the possibility of dead Zn, which makes the battery unable to discharge even in the presence of a large amount of Zn. These findings are helpful to deepen the understanding of the working and failure mechanisms of the Zn anode and provide effective guidance for subsequent research.

Confronting the Challenges in Lithium Anodes for Lithium Metal Batteries.

With the low redox potential of -3.04 V (vs SHE) and ultrahigh theoretical capacity of 3862 mAh g-1 , lithium metal has been considered as promising anode material. However, lithium metal battery has ever suffered a trough in the past few decades due to its safety issues. Over the years, the limited energy density of the lithium-ion battery cannot meet the growing demands of the advanced energy storage devices. Therefore, lithium metal anodes receive renewed attention, which have the potential to achieve high-energy batteries. In this review, the history of the lithium anode is reviewed first. Then the failure mechanism of the lithium anode is analyzed, including dendrite, dead lithium, corrosion, and volume expansion of the lithium anode. Further, the strategies to alleviate the lithium anode issues in recent years are discussed emphatically. Eventually, remaining challenges of these strategies and possible research directions of lithium-anode modification are presented to inspire innovation of lithium anode.

Kirigami-Inspired Flexible and Stretchable Zinc-Air Battery Based on Metal-Coated Sponge Electrodes.

The development of efficient and low-cost flexible metal electrodes is significant for flexible rechargeable zinc-air batteries (ZABs). Herein, we reported a new type of flexible metal (zinc and nickel) electrode fabricated via a two-step deposition method on polyurethane sponges (PUS) for flexible ZABs. Compared to conventional electrodes, the metal-coated PUS electrodes exhibited great flexibility, softness, and natural mechanical resilience. In addition, a flexible sandwich-structured ZAB was assembled with the metal-coated PUS electrodes and in situ cross-linked polyacrylic acid (PAA)-KOH hydrogel electrolyte. The flexible ZAB presented stable discharge/charge performance even under complex rolling and twisting deformations. Moreover, inspired by the kirigami-strategy for device-level stretchability, a 100% stretchable fence-shaped ZAB and a 160% stretchable serpentine-shaped ZAB were cut from the above-mentioned flexible ZABs. The kirigami-inspired configuration enabled the battery performance to be stable during stretching, benefiting from the softness of the PUS@metal electrode. These flexible and stretchable ZABs would broaden the promising applications for portable and wearable energy storage devices.

Methods for producing an easily assembled zinc-air battery.

Zinc-air batteries are considered as the promising alternative to conventional power sources and have received revived research efforts recently due to their high energy density, good safety, environmental friendliness, and potential for low material costs. The design and production of zinc-air batteries is critical to accelerate the commercialization for extending the application range. Herein, we proposed a method for producing plate-type primary zinc-air batteries which apply zinc foil as an example. The proposed method includes the design of an easily assembled zinc-air battery configuration, the preparation of air cathodes and assembly of zinc-air battery. In addition, the galvanostatic discharge performance of the assembled non-flow primary zinc-air battery was tested at a current density of 10 mA cm-2. The method can be applied for the production of commercial zinc-air batteries for laboratory research and industrial manufacture for electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and energy storage devices.•The preparation method for components of zinc-air battery configuration and air cathodes was developed.•The assembly of the zinc-air battery was proposed.•Direct evaluation of discharge performance of the zinc-air batteries produced by the method.