High-gain antenna arrays for millimetre-wave energy harvesting: architectures, challenges, and future directions

Abstract

The rapid expansion of fifth-generation (5G)/sixth-generation (6G) networks and internet of things (IoT) ecosystems has intensified the need for self sustaining power solutions to support billions of wireless devices. Millimetre-wave (mmWave) energy harvesting (EH) emerges as a viable alternative to traditional battery-powered systems, leveraging ambient radio frequency (RF) signals to provide continuous energy for IoT, smart sensor networks, and next-generation wireless applications. However, several challenges hinder its widespread adoption, including high path loss, low RF to-direct current (DC) conversion efficiency, and the trade-off between high gain and wide bandwidth. This paper presents a comprehensive review of high-gain mmWave antenna arrays, exploring state-of-the-art advancements in beamforming techniques, phased arrays, metasurface-enhanced rectennas, and multi-band EH architectures. We analyse existing methodologies, identifying key research gaps such as scalability constraints, material limitations, and real-world deployment challenges. Additionally, we highlight emerging trends, including artificial intelligence (AI)-driven adaptive beamforming, intelligent metasurfaces, and cost-effective fabrication techniques, which can significantly improve mmWave RF EH efficiency. By addressing these gaps, this study provides insights into future research directions for developing high-performance, scalable, and commercially viable mmWave EH solutions. The findings pave the way for the practical deployment of battery-free IoT devices, smart city infrastructures, and energy-autonomous wireless communication networks in the 6G era.