Wearable fabric-based ZnO nanogenerator for biomechanical and biothermal monitoring

Wearable devices that can mechanically conform to human skin are a necessity for reliable monitoring and decoding of biomechanical activities through skin. Most inorganic piezoelectrics, however, lack deformability and damage tolerance, impeding stable motion monitoring. Here, we present an air-permeable fabric-based ZnO nanogenerator with mechanical adaptivity to diverse deformations for wearable piezoelectric sensors, collecting biomechanical health data. We fabricate ZnO nanorods incorporated throughout the entire nylon fabric, with a strategically positioned neutral mechanical plane, for bending-sensitive electronics (2.59 mu A mm). Its hierar-chically interlocked geometry also permits sensitive tactile sensing (0.15 nA kPa1). Various physiological in-formation about activities, including pulse beating, breathing, saliva swallowing, and coughing, is attained using skin-mounted sensors. Further, the pyroelectric sensing capability of a mask-attached device is demonstrated by identifying specific respiratory patterns. Our wearable healthcare sensors hold great promise for real-time monitoring of health-related vital signs, informing individuals' health status without disrupting their daily lives.

Automated summary

This study presents an air-permeable fabric-based ZnO nanogenerator for wearable piezoelectric sensors, allowing reliable monitoring of biomechanical activities through the skin. The sensors are capable of collecting various physiological information, such as pulse, breathing, saliva swallowing, and coughing, providing real-time monitoring of health-related vital signs without disrupting daily lives.