Nanogenerators and smart sensing systems

The ability to scavenge and convert ambient mechanical energy into electricity presents a transformative opportunity for sustainable power generation. Nanogenerators, including triboelectric (TENGs) and piezoelectric (PENGs) systems, have emerged as viable solutions for self-powered electronics and sensors. Over the past decade, research in this field has accelerated significantly, demonstrating their potential in energy harvesting and multifunctional sensing applications. In 2024, we successfully organized the first symposium on nanogenerators at the E-MRS Spring Meeting, fostering dynamic discussions and collaborations. Building on this momentum, we propose a dedicated session for E-MRS 2026, further strengthening interdisciplinary communication and advancing innovation in energy harvesting and smart sensing technologies.

Scope:

This symposium will provide a platform for researchers, engineers, and industry professionals to explore the latest advancements in nanoscale mechanical energy conversion and self-powered systems, with a primary focus on triboelectric and piezoelectric nanogenerators. Contributions are invited on both fundamental and applied research topics, including material innovations, device fabrication, energy conversion mechanisms, and system integration strategies.

Key topics include theoretical and experimental studies of dielectric materials for energy harvesting, development of hybrid nanogenerators, and their integration into self-powered devices. We also welcome contributions on multi-functional applications of nanogenerators, spanning wearable electronics, biomedical sensors, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

With the increasing convergence of nanogenerators and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning, we encourage interdisciplinary research that explores their synergistic potential. For instance, AI-driven optimization of nanogenerator design, machine learning-enhanced energy harvesting, and self-powered sensing for intelligent automation are exciting directions.

Additionally, this symposium will cover innovations in flexible, stretchable, and bio-integrated nanogenerators, as well as next-generation hybrid power sources that combine energy harvesting and storage. Discussions will extend to tribotronics, self-charging power cells, and high-performance piezoelectric/flexoelectric nanogenerators.

By fostering collaborations across disciplines, this symposium aims to advance the state-of-the-art in nanogenerators and smart sensing technologies, paving the way for sustainable and energy-efficient solutions in electronics, healthcare, and industrial applications.

Hot topics to be covered by the symposium:

• Mechanism of triboelectrification and piezoelectric effects
• Fundamental material science for nanogenerators
• Theoretical analysis of nanoscale mechanical-to-electric energy conversion
• Self-powered nanosensors and nanodevice: design, integration and application for robotics and artificial intelligence
• Energy harvesting for wearable/stretchable/flexible electronics and implantable devices.
• Fabric and fiber based self-powered sensors and power source
• Self-charging power cell for advanced batteries
• Design and integration of hybrid cells for concurrently harvesting multi-type energies
• Hybridization of nanogenerators with energy storage units: design, integration and power management
• Tribotronics for electronics and sensors
• Piezoelectric and flexoelectric effect for high-performance nanogenerators
• Technological advances in integration and manufacturing of nanogenerators
• AI-assisted design and optimization of Nanogenerators
• Emergent applications in tribocatalysis, tribo-optoelectronics