Abstract
This chapter discusses mechanical properties, electrical conductivity, and thermal stability of composite materials used in energy harvesting. It explores the use of composites in energy harvesters that are thermoelectric, electromagnetic, and piezoelectric. One of the main advantages of composite materials for energy harvesting is their high strength-to-weight ratio. Metal- and polymer-based composites are among the types of composites. The piece also explores the challenges that need to be solved for the technology to realize its full potential. If composite materials were less expensive and more durable, energy collecting systems might be more dependable and efficient. To ascertain the resilience and reliability of composite materials for application in energy harvesting, more research is necessary. Composite materials, however, have potential for energy harvesting. However, composite materials show promise for energy harvesting. Before they can reach their full potential, more research and development are needed. The major obstacles and opportunities for further research and development in composite materials for energy harvesting are covered in this chapter.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank the editors S. M. Sapuan, Mohd Roshdi Hassan, Eris Elianddy Supeni, and Azizan As’arry for their guidance and review of this article before its publication.
-
Research ethics: Not applicable.
-
Informed consent: Not applicable.
-
Author contributions: Yusuf Jameel: Writing – original draft. A.H.M. Firdaus: Writing original, Abdul Habib – original draft. S.M. Sapuan: Supervision. All authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.
-
Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: None declared.
-
Conflict of interest: The authors state no conflict of interest.
-
Research funding: Putra IPS vote number 9742900.
-
Data availability: Not applicable.
References
1. Egbo, MK. A fundamental review on composite materials and some of their applications in biomedical engineering. J King Saud Univ, Eng Sci 2021;33:557–68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jksues.2020.07.007.Search in Google Scholar
2. Harnden, R, Carlstedt, D, Zenkert, D, Lindbergh, G. Multifunctional carbon fiber composites: a structural, energy harvesting, strain-sensing material. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2022;14:33871–80. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.2c08375.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central
3. Fan, FR, Tang, W, Wang, ZL. Flexible nanogenerators for energy harvesting and self-powered electronics. Adv Mater 2016;4283–305. https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.201504299.Search in Google Scholar PubMed
4. Mori, T, Priya, S. Materials for energy harvesting: at the forefront of a new wave. MRS Bull 2018;43:176–80. https://doi.org/10.1557/mrs.2018.32.Search in Google Scholar
5. Yusuf, J, Firdaus, AHM, Sapuan, SM, Rashid, U, Ilyas, RA, Hassan, MR, et al.. Nanocellulose-graphene hybrid composites: fabrication, characterization, applications and environmental impact. Int J Biol Macromol 2024;282:137244. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.137244.Search in Google Scholar PubMed
6. Garg, T, Goyal, LM. Magnetoelectric composites-based energy harvesters. In: Vargas-Bernal, DSR, Palma, MR, editors. Rijeka: IntechOpen; 2023:Ch. 3 p.10.5772/intechopen.110875Search in Google Scholar
7. Ku, ML, Li, W, Chen, Y, Ray Liu, KJ. Advances in energy harvesting communications: past, present, and future challenges. IEEE Commun Surv Tutorials 2016;18:1384–412. https://doi.org/10.1109/COMST.2015.2497324.Search in Google Scholar
8. Elsheikh, A. Bistable morphing composites for energy-harvesting applications. Polym 2022;14. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14091893.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central
9. Fan, Y, Jia, Z, Zhang, Z, Gu, S, Du, W, Lin, D. Flexible composites with rare-earth element doped polycrystalline particles for piezoelectric nanogenerators. Micromachines 2024;15. https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15111280.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central
10. Kaihang, Z, Lu, J, Cai, X, Shah, M, Wu, J, Li, J, et al.. Nanosheet‐doped polymer composites with high intrinsic piezoelectric properties for energy harvesting. Energy Environ Mater 2024;8:1–12. https://doi.org/10.1002/eem2.12789.Search in Google Scholar
11. Derraz, M, Ennawaoui, C, Mastouri, H, Abouricha, N, Rjafallah, A, El Mehdi, L, et al.. Mathematical modeling for predicting electrical energy harvested using piezoelectric composite materials for smart system applications. Micro Nano Eng 2024;23:100253. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mne.2024.100253.Search in Google Scholar
12. Yuan, C, Li, X, Yang, X, Wu, F, Gao, G, Zhou, H, et al.. Application of multi-layered composite fiber films with enhanced piezoelectric performance in flexible energy harvesting devices. Ceram Int 2024;50. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2024.05.183.Search in Google Scholar
13. Yu, C, Li, G. Electrical energy harvesting by connected form stable phase change material composites. Energy Convers Manag 2024;299:117851. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2023.117851.Search in Google Scholar
14. Bai, S, Chunhua, L. Overview of energy harvesting and emission reduction technologies in hybrid electric vehicles. Renew Sustain Energy Rev 2021;147:111188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2021.111188.Search in Google Scholar
15. Shivamurthy, B, Naik, N, Thimappa, BHS, Bhat, R. Mechanical property evaluation of alkali-treated jute fiber reinforced bio-epoxy composite materials. Mater Today Proc 2020;28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.04.016.Search in Google Scholar
16. Crossley, S, Whiter, RA, Kar-Narayan, S. Polymer-based nanopiezoelectric generators for energy harvesting applications. Mater Sci Technol 2014;30:1613–24. https://doi.org/10.1179/1743284714Y.0000000605.Search in Google Scholar
17. Wang, Z, Kurita, H, Nagaoka, H, Narita, F. Potassium sodium niobate lead-free piezoelectric nanocomposite generators based on carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer electrodes for energy-harvesting structures. Compos Sci Technol 2020;199:108331. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2020.108331.Search in Google Scholar
18. Cottinet, PJ, Guyomar, D, Guiffard, B, Putson, C, Lebrun, L. Modeling and experimentation on an electrostrictive polymer composite for energy harvesting. IEEE Trans Ultrason Ferroelectr Freq Control 2010;57:774–84. https://doi.org/10.1109/TUFFC.2010.1481.Search in Google Scholar PubMed
19. Naik, N, Suresh, P, Yadav, S, Nisha, MP, Arias-Gonzáles, JL, Cotrina-Aliaga, JC, et al.. A review on composite materials for energy harvesting in electric vehicles. Energies 2023;16. https://doi.org/10.3390/en16083348.Search in Google Scholar
20. Sun, R, Wang, L, Zhang, Y, Zhong, C. Characterization of 1-3 piezoelectric composite with a 3-tier polymer structure. Materials 2020;13. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13020397.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central
21. Mishra, S, Unnikrishnan, L, Nayak, SK, Mohanty, S. Advances in piezoelectric polymer composites for energy harvesting applications: a systematic review. Macromol Mater Eng 2018;1800463. https://doi.org/10.1002/mame.201800463.Search in Google Scholar
22. Song, J, Dong, FW, Guansong Shan, TO, Itoh, T. A black gauze cap-shaped bistable energy harvester with a movable design for broadening frequency bandwidth. Smart Mater Struct 2019;29:025015.10.1088/1361-665X/ab6077Search in Google Scholar
23. Lu, Z, Chen, J, Ding, H, Chen, L. Two-span piezoelectric beam energy harvesting Int J Mech Sci 2020;175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmecsci.2020.105532.Search in Google Scholar
24. Zou, H, Li, M, Zhao, L, Gao, Q, Wei, K, Zuo, L, et al.. A magnetically coupled bistable piezoelectric harvester for underwater energy harvesting. Energy 2020:119429. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2020.119429.Search in Google Scholar
25. Pradhan, DK, Kumari, S, Rack, PD, Kumar, A. Applications of strain-coupled magnetoelectric composites. Encyclopedia Smart Mater 2021;2021. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-815732-9.00048-6.Search in Google Scholar
26. Kang, TJ, Fang, S, Kozlov, ME, Haines, CS, Li, N, Kim, YH, et al.. Electrical power from nanotube and graphene electrochemical thermal energy harvesters. Adv Funct Mater 2012;477–89. https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.201101639.Search in Google Scholar
27. Wei, J, Nie, Z, He, G, Hao, L, Zhang, Q. Energy harvesting from solar irradiation in cities using the thermoelectric behavior of carbon fiber. RSC Adv 2014:48128–34. https://doi.org/10.1039/c4ra07864k.Search in Google Scholar
28. Gao, C, Chen, G. Conducting polymer/carbon particle thermoelectric composites: emerging green energy materials. Compos Sci Technol 2016;124:52–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2016.01.014.Search in Google Scholar
29. Roscow, JI, Pearce, H, Khanbareh, H, Kar-narayan, S, Bowen, CR. Modified energy harvesting figures of merit for stress- and strain-driven piezoelectric systems. Eur Phys J: Spec Top. 2019;1554:1537–54. https://doi.org/10.1140/epjst/e2019-800143-7.Search in Google Scholar
30. Borowiec, M, Gawryluk, J, Bochenski, M. Influence of mechanical couplings on the dynamical behavior and energy harvesting of a composite structure. Polymers 2021;13:66. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13010066.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central
31. Alam, MN, Kumar, V, Jung, H-S, Park, S-S. Fabrication of high-performance natural rubber composites with enhanced filler–rubber interactions by stearic acid-modified diatomaceous earth and carbon nanotubes for mechanical and energy harvesting applications. Polym 2023;15. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15173612.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central
32. Kumar, V, Alam, MN, Yewale, MA, Park, S-S. Multifunctional aspects of mechanical and electromechanical properties of composites based on silicone rubber for piezoelectric energy harvesting systems. Polym 2024;16. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16142058.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central
33. Ahmad, S, Mujeebu, MA, Farooqi, M. Energy harvesting from pavements and roadways: a comprehensive review of technologies, materials, and challenges. Int J Energy Res 2019;43:1974–2015. https://doi.org/10.1002/er.4350.Search in Google Scholar
34. Afiqah, N, Radzuan, M, Bakar, A, Sahari, J. A review of electrical conductivity models for conductive polymer composite. Int J Hydrogen Energy 2016;42:9262–73. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2016.03.045.Search in Google Scholar
35. Hu, G, Ning, X, Hussain, M, Sajjad, U, Sultan, M, Ali, H, et al.. Potential evaluation of hybrid nanofluids for solar thermal energy harvesting: a review of recent advances. Sustain Energy Technol Assess 2021;48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2021.101651.Search in Google Scholar
36. Wu, Z, Wang, J, Liu, Y, Hou, S, Liu, X, Zhang, Q, et al.. A review of spectral controlling for renewable energy harvesting and conserving. Mater Today Phys 2021;18:100388. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtphys.2021.100388.Search in Google Scholar
37. Qian, W, Yang, W, Zhang, Y, Bowen, CR, Yang, Y. Piezoelectric materials for controlling electro - chemical processes. Nanomicro Lett 2020;12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-020-00489-z.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central
38. Sodano, HA, Inman, DJ, Park, G. Comparison of piezoelectric energy harvesting devices for recharging batteries. J Intell Mater Syst Struct 2005;16:799–807. https://doi.org/10.1177/1045389X05056681.Search in Google Scholar
39. El-Sayed, A-R, Tai, K, Biglarbegian, M, Mahmud, S. A survey on recent energy harvesting mechanisms; 2016: 1–5 pp. https://doi.org/10.1109/CCECE.2016.7726698.Search in Google Scholar
40. Anic, M, Prodanovic, M, Milenković, S, Filipovic, N, Grujović, N, Zivic, F. The review of materials for energy harvesting. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1109/BIBE52308.2021.9635169.Search in Google Scholar
41. Jayamani, E, Nair, G, Soon, K. Investigation of the dielectric properties of natural fibre and conductive filler reinforced polymer composites. Mater Today Proc 2020;22:162–71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2019.08.032.Search in Google Scholar
42. Ahmed, O, Wang, X, Tran, M-V, Ismadi, M-Z. Advancements in fiber-reinforced polymer composite materials damage detection methods: towards achieving energy-efficient SHM systems. Composites, Part B 2021;223:109136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2021.109136.Search in Google Scholar
43. Mrlik, M, AlMaadeed, MAS. 16 – fillers in advanced nanocomposites for energy harvesting. In: Dong, Y, Umer, R, Lau, AK-T, editors. Woodhead Publ. Ser. Compos. Sci. Eng. Sawston, Cambridge: Woodhead Publishing; 2015:401–24 pp.10.1016/B978-0-08-100079-3.00016-8Search in Google Scholar
44. Yusuf, J, Sapuan, SM, Rashid, U, Ilyas, RA, Hassan, MR. Thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties of oil palm cellulose nanofibril reinforced green epoxy nanocomposites. Int J Biol Macromol 2024;278:134–421. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134421.Search in Google Scholar PubMed
45. Ahmed, S, Banerjee, S, Sundar, U, Ruiz, H, Kumar, S, Weerasinghe, A. Energy harvesting: breakthrough technologies through polymer composites BT – smart polymer nanocomposites: energy harvesting, self-healing and shape memory applications. In: Ponnamma, D, Sadasivuni, KK, Cabibihan, J-J, Al-Maadeed, MA-A, editors. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2017:1–42 pp.10.1007/978-3-319-50424-7_1Search in Google Scholar
46. Chen, L, Zhang, Y, Chen, Z, Dong, Y, Jiang, Y, Hua, J, et al.. Biomaterials technology and policies in the building sector: a review. Environ Chem Lett 2024;22:715–50. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-023-01689-w.Search in Google Scholar
© 2025 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston
Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- Reviews
- Inhaled aerosols as carriers of pulmonary medicines and the limitations of in vitro–in vivo correlation (IVIVC) methods
- Analysis of an automated solar panel cleaning robot on photovoltaics (PV) module frames with composites materials
- Mechanical and thermal properties of graphene reinforced poly (lactic acid) composites for battery casing in electric vehicles
- Precision medicine in hypothyroidism: an engineering approach to individualized levothyroxine dosing
- Advancements in composite materials for energy harvesting
- Model-based dose selection for gene therapy for haemophilia B
Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- Reviews
- Inhaled aerosols as carriers of pulmonary medicines and the limitations of in vitro–in vivo correlation (IVIVC) methods
- Analysis of an automated solar panel cleaning robot on photovoltaics (PV) module frames with composites materials
- Mechanical and thermal properties of graphene reinforced poly (lactic acid) composites for battery casing in electric vehicles
- Precision medicine in hypothyroidism: an engineering approach to individualized levothyroxine dosing
- Advancements in composite materials for energy harvesting
- Model-based dose selection for gene therapy for haemophilia B