Surface-microstructured cellulose films toward sensitive pressure sensors and efficient triboelectric nanogenerators

To achieve environmental sustainability, cellulose-based functional materials have been extensively used in advanced electronic devices, such as pressure sensor and triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). Here, we fabricate the surface-microstructured cellulose films (M-CFs) by facile regeneration and hot pressing combined with screen mesh templating. Through simple carbonization, the M-CFs are further converted into the surface-microstructured carbonized cellulose films (M-CCFs) with a good conductivity but maintain the original array concave-pits on surface. These constructed microstructures, which are tunable via controlling the screen mesh's aperture, endow the assembled electronics with adjustable and improved working performance. The pressure sensors with M-CCFs as active materials exhibit an enhanced sensitivity in a wide working range and promising potentials for applications in motions detection and healthcare. The TENGs with M-CFs as tribo-positive friction layers demonstrate higher electrical output and an efficient energy harvesting. Our work provides novel insights into the design and construction of cellulose-based functional films for eco-friendly advanced applications.

Automated summary

To achieve environmental sustainability, researchers have used cellulose-based materials to create surface-microstructured films. These films have good conductivity and maintain their original microstructures, which can be adjusted to improve the performance of electronic devices. Pressure sensors and TENGs made with these films show improved sensitivity and energy harvesting capabilities. This work provides new insights into the design and construction of eco-friendly advanced applications.