Smart wearable triboelectric nanogenerator for self-powered bioelectronics and therapeutics

Abstract

With the development of Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs), the field of energy harvesting has experienced a new era of revolution following the trend to configure innovative materials, design, integrated sensing and high triboelectric output. Here, we investigated the electricity-generation process of TENG by conducting its finite-element analysis using COMSOL Multiphysics software. Further, the effect of different weight concentrations (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%) of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) into the Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix was investigated. It has enabled us to find the optimal weight ratio of MWCNT and increase surface charge density, thereby enhancing triboelectric performance for realising smart wearable triboelectric nanogenerators (SW-TENG). On the other hand, a novel dynamic test platform was developed for automated tapping on TENG for quantified performance analysis of SW-TENG. The results indicate that 4 wt% is the optimal weight ratio for fabrication of MWCNT-PDMS based TENG as it recorded the highest open circuit voltage of 195.4 V revealing ∼79% enhancement in triboelectric output as compared to pure PDMS based TENG. Furthermore, SW-TENG was integrated with a bridge rectifier and 10 μF capacitor in order to power bioelectric devices such as a digital thermometer and a pulse sensor. Besides serving as a power source, the SW-TENG shows innovative sensing capabilities for delivering self-powered rehabilitation therapy augmenting the next generation healthcare systems.