Recent Advances in Flexible Nanogenerators for Microphone and Loudspeaker Applications

Nowadays, ferroelectret nanogenerators have been proposed as a possible alternative method for kinetic energy collection. We describe the component’s inherent features, which enable the bidirectional transfer of energy between the electrical and mechanical fields, expanding its potential application in wearable electronics beyond power production. Such electromechanical linkage gives the device dual-functional transducing features, demonstrating its application as a small, portable, and self-powered loudspeaker or microphone patch. This coupling, together with the flexibility and thin-film-like shape, gives the device these characteristics. For three alternative configurations, the sound pressure level is assessed in the spatial and frequency domains to ascertain the device’s functionality and usability. Also, dependencies of sound pressure levels (SPLs) generated by a FENG due to an AC voltage stimulus, surface area, geometric shape, and addition of layers are presented here.