2025 FEMS Master Thesis Award – Finalists

Stefania Skorda

HMS, Greece

Development of PLA-based triboelectric nanogenerators for harvesting mechanical energy from the environment

This thesis introduces a novel fabrication approach for fibroelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) using bio-based Polylactic Acid(PLA) composites doped with Zinc Oxide (ZnO) and Silicon Carbide (SiC). Unlike conventional methods, it demonstrates thatPLA-based TENGs can efficiently harvest ambient energy. 1.5wt% SiC enhances mechanical strength and triboelectric outputby 284% while 3wt% ZnO boosts power by 741%, despite some mechanical trade-offs. Published in Journal of CompositesScience and Sensors, these findings highlight the synergistic optimisation of electrical, mechanical and triboelectricproperties, paving the way for eco-friendly self-powered electronics and next-generation energy solutions.

Stefania is a PhD candidate at the Nanoscale Transport Phenomena Lab of NCSR “Demokritos” and the School of Applied Mathematical and Physical Sciences at NTUA, under
the supervision of Dr. Alexandros El Sachat. Her research focuses on nanoscale energy transport phenomena in low-dimensional materials, within the framework of the ERC project “TheMA,” where she works with high-vacuum scanning probe microscopy techniques. She obtained her Integrated Master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) in 2024. Her diploma thesis, supervised by Dr. Christos Tsamis, focused on the development of PLA-based triboelectric nanogenerators for harvesting mechanical energy from the environment. Throughout her studies, she gained international research experience through internships at INP in Grenoble, France and PTB in Braunschweig, Germany. She also worked as a software engineer at JRC Mobility GmbH and was a member of the Prometheus ECO Racing Team at NTUA.