Flexible and durable wood-based triboelectric nanogenerators for self-powered sensing in athletic big data analytics

Jianjun Luo,Kai Han,Aurelia Chi Wang,Tao Jiang,Yu Bai,Liang Xu,Ziming Wang,Feng Ru Fan,Wei Tang,Qingsong Lai,Zhong Lin Wang

doi:10.1038/s41467-019-13166-6

Abstract

In the new era of internet of things, big data collection and analysis based on widely distributed intelligent sensing technology is particularly important. Here, we report a flexible and durable wood-based triboelectric nanogenerator for self-powered sensing in athletic big data analytics. Based on a simple and effective strategy, natural wood can be converted into a high-performance triboelectric material with excellent mechanical properties, such as 7.5-fold enhancement in strength, superior flexibility, wear resistance and processability. The electrical output performance is also enhanced by more than 70% compared with natural wood. A self-powered falling point distribution statistical system and an edge ball judgement system are further developed to provide training guidance and real-time competition assistance for both athletes and referees. This work can not only expand the application area of the self-powered system to smart sport monitoring and assisting, but also promote the development of big data analytics in intelligent sports industry.

Highlights

In the new era of internet of things, big data collection and analysis based on widely distributed intelligent sensing technology is important
The flexible and durable W-triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) is capable of outputting a transferred charge density of 36 μC m−2, which is more than 70% higher than that of the TENG based on natural wood
This system possesses two capabilities: the first is falling point distribution statistics for athletic big data analytics, and a wood-based triboelectric nanogenerators (W-TENGs) array will be installed on the surface of the table in order to accurately identify the impact point of the ping-pong ball; the second function is disputed edge ball judgement, with two single-electrode mode WTENGs setting on the top edge and side edge of the table respectively

Summary

Introduction

In the new era of internet of things, big data collection and analysis based on widely distributed intelligent sensing technology is important. We report a flexible and durable wood-based triboelectric nanogenerator for self-powered sensing in athletic big data analytics. Based on a simple and effective strategy, natural wood can be converted into a high-performance triboelectric material with excellent mechanical properties, such as 7.5-fold enhancement in strength, superior flexibility, wear resistance and processability. Real-time data acquisition relies on widely distributed sensors, which are generally powered by conventional energy storage devices, such as batteries Considering their limited lifetime, high replacement or recharging costs, and environmental issues, it is highly desirable to develop a sustainable and maintenance-free sensing technology. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), based on the coupling effect of contact electrification and electrostatic induction, have been developed into a powerful technology for converting mechanical energy into electricity, with unique advantages of low cost, high efficiency, simple structure, and diverse material options[11,12,13,14,15,16,17]. This work opens up new avenues for self-powered systems in intelligent athletic facilities and big data analytics, and may profoundly influence the global sports field

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Results

Conclusion