We have been developing piezoelectric/triboelectric nanomaterials and thermoelectric nanocomposites for mechanical and thermal energy harvesting applications respectively. Our research involves understanding structure-property and functionality relationships in novel piezoelectric, ferroelectric and thermoelectric nanostructures for harvesting and harnessing waste energies. We focus on employing low-cost physical and chemical synthesis approaches to fabricate novel phases and functional nanostructures for subsequent property investigation. We incorporate these nanomaterials into the design and fabrication of devices with the aim of developing early-stage prototypes and eventual commercialization of energy harvesting and self-powered sensing technologies.