• Director and Chief Scientist, Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences
• Foreign Member, Chinese Academy of Sciences
• Fellow, Royal Academy of Engineering, UK
• Fellow, U.S. National Academy of Inventors
• International Fellow, Canadian Academy of Engineering
• Laureate, Global Energy Prize, Eni Award, and Albert Einstein World Award of Science
• Honorary Editor-in-Chief, Iontronics

• Professor, Yonsei World-Class Fellow
• Highly Cited Researcher (HCR) in the Cross-Field, Clarivate
• Fellow, Korean Academy of Science and Technology (KAST)
• Member, National Academy of Engineering of Korea (NAEK)
• Director, Center for Human-oriented Triboelectric Energy Harvesting (Global Research Leader Program, NRF Korea)

Topic: Triboelectric Medicine: Shaping the Future of Biomedical Innovation

Abstract: Triboelectric energy harvesting technologies have emerged as a promising energy solution for medical implants, utilizing various mechanical energy sources to generate electricity in vivo. Owing to their simple structure, which is advantageous for miniaturization, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have been extensively investigated. In this talk, I will introduce self-powered medical implants driven by the triboelectric mechanism and provide an overview of recent research trends. First, I will discuss the diverse device structures and energy generation performances of TENGs depending on their mechanical energy sources, which span a wide range of frequencies. In general, devices powered by high-frequency energy sources demonstrate superior electrical outputs compared to those operating at low frequencies. However, current technologies still fall short of satisfying the energy consumption requirements necessary for the immediate application of commercial electronic medicines. To address this challenge, I will present material design strategies aimed at enhancing the output performance of TENGs. Beyond serving as mere power sources, TENG-based battery-less electronic medicines hold significant potential for diverse clinical applications. This talk will also highlight our previous work on self-powered electronic medicines (termed triboelectric medicine) for use in wound healing, tissue engineering, neurostimulation, neuroregeneration, and antibacterial treatments.

• Distinguished Professor, University of Surrey
• Director, Advanced Technology Institute
• Head, Nano-Electronics Centre
• Foreign Academician, Chinese Academy of Engineering
• Fellow, Royal Academy of Engineering, UK
• Fellow, International Science Council
• Fellow, European Academy of Sciences
• Fellow, National Academy of Sciences of Sri Lanka

Topic: Beyond Laboratory Performance: From Triboelectric Interface Physics to Zero-Burden Wearable Systems

Abstract: Triboelectricity is emerging as more than an energy-harvesting mechanism, providing a powerful interface between materials, mechanical interaction and intelligent electronic systems. This talk examines the evolution of triboelectric nanogenerators from fundamental contact electrification and electrodynamic principles towards predictive device engineering, efficient power transfer and self-powered sensing. Particular emphasis is placed on how electric-field modelling, impedance-informed optimisation and rational materials and interface engineering can move the field beyond empirical demonstrations and peak-output metrics. The wider challenge is to translate these principles into scalable, sustainable and reliable technologies capable of operating in complex real-world environments. Examples spanning functional materials, wearable physiological monitoring and Z-PULSE healthcare technologies illustrate this progression. Looking forward, the convergence of triboelectric, iontronic and semiconductor technologies with artificial intelligence offers new opportunities for autonomous, adaptive and information-rich interfaces.

• Associate Professor, Thrust of Sustainable Energy and Environment
• Acting Dean, College of Education Sciences
• Fellow, Institute of Physics
• Senior Member, IEEE
• Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher 2025

Topic: Multimodal Tactile Sensing Enabled by Triboelectricity

Abstract: While tactile sensing is fundamental for embodied intelligence to physically interact with and understand the world, its complex and multimodal nature remains significantly underexplored compared with vision, hearing, and other types of sensing. A major challenge lies in the wide range of information involved, including force and pressure, softness, friction, surface roughness, and temperature.
As triboelectrification, or contact electrification, naturally originates from tactile interactions, it may provide a paradigm-shifting strategy for multimodal tactile sensing. Prof. Zi's team has developed a hemispherical bimodal intelligent tactile sensor array based on the triboelectric effect, capable of softness identification, modulus quantification, and material-type recognition.
The team has also employed triboelectrically induced electroluminescence to visualize tactile information with enhanced brightness and a low detection limit. In addition, a self-powered electrotactile textile haptic glove based on the triboelectric-discharge effect has been developed to reproduce high-resolution tactile information.
The presentation will discuss these advances and the multidisciplinary opportunities for developing high-resolution, multimodal tactile sensing and feedback systems toward embodied intelligence.