A self-supported structure hybrid triboelectric/piezoelectric nanogenerator for bio-mechanical energy harvesting and pressure sensing

Recently, nanogenerators (NGs) based on triboelectric effect and piezoelectric effect have attracted worldwide attention. However, the development of NGs still faces many challenges, including reasonable structural design, multi-functional application, etc. Here, we reported a novel self-supported structure hybrid triboelectric/ piezoelectric nanogenerator (TPNG) to harvest low-frequency and low amplitude mechanical energy through friction and deformation. The result of the experiment confirmed that the triboelectric part (size: 4 cm x 3 cm) of TPNG can achieve the maximum output power of 1.32 mW, and the piezoelectric section (size: 8 cm x 3 cm) of TPNG can arrive at 4.14 mu W. Moreover, the triboelectric transferred charges and piezoelectric transferred charges of TPNG can get to 52.5 nC and 54 nC, respectively. In addition, all preparation materials are common commercial materials, which contributes to low-cost and large-scale production. The electrical energy produced by the TPNG device can drive 19 commercial light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and electronic calculators. The TPNG device can also serve as a self-powered sensor to reflect the change of pressure. This design realizes the integration of triboelectric devices and piezoelectric devices and will promote the development of self-powered flexible sensors.

Automated summary

A novel self-supported structure hybrid triboelectric/piezoelectric nanogenerator (TPNG) was reported to harvest low-frequency and low amplitude mechanical energy through friction and deformation. The experiment confirmed good output power and charge transfer of TPNG, with the advantage of low cost and large-scale production.