Natural Sugar-Assisted, Chemically Reinforced, Highly Durable Piezoorganic Nanogenerator with Superior Power Density for Self-Powered Wearable Electronics.

Abstract

Natural piezoelectric materials are of increasing interest, particularly for applications in biocompatible, implantable, and flexible electronic devices. In this paper, we introduce a cost-effective, easily available natural piezoelectric material, that is, sugar in the field of wearable piezoelectric nanogenerators (PNGs) where low electrical output, biocompatibility, and performance durability are still critical issues. We report on a high-performance piezoorganic nanogenerator (PONG) based on the hybridization of sugar-encapsulated polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofiber webs (SGNFW). We explore the crucial role of single-crystal sugar having a fascinating structure along with the synergistic enhancement of piezoelectricity during nanoconfinement of sugar-interfaced macromolecular PVDF chains. As a consequence, the SGNFW-based PONG exhibits outstanding electricity generation capability (e.g., ∼100 V under 10 kPa human finger impact and maximum power density of 33 mW/m2) in combination with sensitivity to abundantly available different mechanical sources (such as wind flow, vibration, personal electronics, and acoustic vibration). Consequently, it opens up suitability in multifunctional self-powered wearable sensor designs for realistic implementation. In addition, commercially available capacitors are charged up effectively by the PONG because of its rapid energy storage capability. The high performance of the PONG not only offers "battery-free" energy generation (several portable units of light-emitting diodes and a liquid crystal display screen are powered up without using external storage) but also promises its use in wireless signal transmitting systems, which widens the potential in personal health care monitoring. Furthermore, owing to the geometrical stress confinement effect, the PONG is proven to be a highly durable power-generating device validated by stability test over 10 weeks. Therefore, the organic nanogenerator would be a convenient solution for portable personal electronic devices that are expected to operate in a self-powered manner.