Pulse-driven bio-triboelectric nanogenerator based on silk nanoribbons

Abstract

Abstract Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, providing the possibility of self-powered implantable electronic devices. However, most implantable electronic devices still require an external power source. In addition, TENGs must have outstanding biocompatibility, biodegradability, and controllable degradation rate to prevent the need for a second surgery and avoid an inflammatory response. In this work, a silk nanoribbon (SNR)-based bio-TENG is fabricated using a nascent SNR film (SNRF) and regenerative silk fibroin film (RSFF). To maintain the original meso/nanoscale structure of silk, SNRs with a thickness of 0.38 nm are directly exfoliated from natural silk. RSFF and SNRF have different microstructure and work functions. The output performance of the bio-TENG with the maximum voltage, current, and power density (PD) reach up to 41.64 V, 0.5 μA, and 86.7 mW/m2, respectively. The lifetime of the TENG depends on post-treatment of the RSFF package. The raw materials of the proposed TENG, including silk and magnesium (Mg), are completely biodegradable and biocompatible in vitro. With its high sensitivity and the ability to generate power from just a human pulse, the all silk-based bio-TENG may be an attractive power source for implantable self-powered electronic devices, such as pacemakers and implantable sensors.