Arinze, Stella N., Obi, Emenike Raymond, Ebenuwa, Solomon H. and Nwajana, Augustine O. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6591-5269 (2025) RF energy-harvesting techniques: applications, recent developments, challenges, and future opportunities. Telecom, 6 (3):45. ISSN 2673-4001 (Online) (doi:10.3390/telecom6030045)

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Abstract

The increasing demand for sustainable and renewable energy solutions has made radio frequency energy harvesting (RFEH) a promising technique for powering low-power electronic devices. RFEH captures ambient RF signals from wireless communication systems, such as mobile networks, Wi-Fi, and broadcasting stations, and converts them into usable electrical energy. This approach offers a viable alternative for battery-dependent and hard-to-recharge applications, including streetlights, outdoor night/security lighting, wireless sensor networks, and biomedical body sensor networks. This article provides a comprehensive review of the RFEH techniques, including state-of-the-art rectenna designs, energy conversion efficiency improvements, and multi-band harvesting systems. We present a detailed analysis of recent advancements in RFEH circuits, impedance matching techniques, and integration with emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, and wireless power transfer (WPT). Additionally, this review identifies existing challenges, including low conversion efficiency, unpredictable energy availability, and design limitations for small-scale and embedded systems. A critical assessment of current research gaps is provided, highlighting areas where further development is required to enhance performance and scalability. Finally, constructive recommendations for future opportunities in RFEH are discussed, focusing on advanced materials, AI-driven adaptive harvesting systems, hybrid energy-harvesting techniques, and novel antenna–rectifier architectures. The insights from this study will serve as a valuable resource for researchers and engineers working towards the realization of self-sustaining, battery-free electronic systems.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	wireless power transfer, rectenna, internet of things, IoT powering, wireless sensor networks, WSN, AI-based energy optimization
Subjects:	Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA75 Electronic computers. Computer science T Technology > T Technology (General) T Technology > TK Electrical engineering. Electronics Nuclear engineering
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Engineering & Science Faculty of Engineering & Science > School of Computing & Mathematical Sciences (CMS) Faculty of Engineering & Science > School of Engineering (ENG)
Last Modified:	01 Jul 2025 12:09
URI:	https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/50767

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