Multifunctional flexible Ag2Te-nylon nanocomposite freestanding film for harvesting thermal and mechanical energy

Constructing a multifunctional material for harvesting different types of energy requires a novel strategy that can offer a higher output while simultaneously reducing the device's size and increasing its usability. Here we have developed a flexible Ag2Te-nylon nanocomposite film-based hybrid device using a vacuum filtration technique that can harvest simultaneously thermal and mechanical energy using the thermoelectric and triboelectric effect. The flexible hybrid device can generate a power of ∼ 35 nW corresponding to a power density of 58 µW/cm2 through simple finger touch by thermoelectric effect, whereas an output power of ∼7 nW corresponding to a power density of 23 nW/cm2 can be generated via rubbing with fingertips due to the triboelectric effect. In the Ag2Te-PVDF nanocomposite film, an output power of 0.3 µW (corresponding to a power density of 1 µW/cm2) has been achieved while rubbing with fingertips. The fabricated device in this study is the only one of its kind where a single material can harvest thermal and mechanical energy. The flexible film's hybrid energy harvesting feature, along with the advantages of low cost and simple synthesis, makes it a promising choice for harvesting energy from human activities.