Publication

NMSL Lab

Publication

Development of bismuth oxychloride nanoplatelets piezo-triboelectric hybrid nanogenerator as an advanced self-powered mechano-logic system
Author
Vishal Natraj, Vigneshwaran Mohan, Parthiban Pazhamalai, Sang-Jae Kim
Journal
Nano Energy
Status
Volume 151
Page
111790
Year
2026

Abstract

Autonomous navigation in unstructured and unpredictable environments is critical for future space exploration and off-grid robotics. In this work, we present a hybrid nanogenerator (HNG) assisted mechano-electrical sensing platform integrated into a terrain-adaptive rover system. Bismuth oxychloride nanoplatelets (BiOCl NPL) were synthesized via a hydrothermal route and embedded in a PDMS matrix to construct a multifunctional piezo-triboelectric composite film for energy harvesting and self-powered sensing applications. Structural, morphological, and surface analyses using XRD, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) confirm the high crystallinity of the BiOCl nanoplatelets and enhanced surface charge density of the composite film. The piezo-electromechanical activity of the BiOCl NPL arises from localized inversion symmetry breaking induced by nanoscale confinement and surface effects. The fabricated piezoelectric nanogenerator (PNG) and hybrid nanogenerator (HNG) deliver maximum electrical outputs of 25 V / 0.3 μA and 398 V / 3.25 μA, respectively, with the HNG achieving a power density of 84.68 μW cm−2. A sequential mechano-logic architecture was implemented in which the HNG functions as a self-powered mechanical sensor interfaced with an Arduino-controlled rover. Upon physical contact with obstacles, the system processes logic states for autonomous decision-making and demonstrates effective terrain-adaptive navigation without visual input. Overall, this work offers a robust and energy-efficient strategy for intelligent unmanned exploration in dark, dusty, and vision-limited environments relevant to space and off-grid robotic systems.