Toward self-powered integrated smart packaging system − Desiccant-based triboelectric nanogenerators

Abstract

Smart packaging plays a crucial role in safeguarding products, monitoring their quality, and ensuring supply chain efficiency during distribution and transportation. However, the extensive use of sensors in smart packaging systems requires a sustainable power supply for long-term monitoring. Unfortunately, portable batteries may not meet the needs for next-generation smart packaging as they have a limited lifetime, are heavy, and may cause environmental pollution after use. To address this issue, we propose a self-powered integrated smart packaging system driven by a novel desiccant-based triboelectric nanogenerator (D-TENG). The D-TENG is designed using a contact-separation mode and includes a paperboard-based honeycomb frame, two PTFE/Cu triboelectric layers, and desiccants stored in the honeycomb holes as the freestanding triboelectric material. We systematically investigate the significant parameters affecting the energy harvesting performance of the D-TENG, including the type of desiccants, frame height, number of honeycomb holes, frequency and amplitude of external excitation, and device orientation with the vibration direction. Furthermore, we demonstrate a self-powered integrated smart packaging system based on the D-TENGs that harvests vibration energy to power sensors integrated into the package. This research provides a practical strategy to continuously monitor the status and quality of packaged products throughout the supply chain for an extended period, reducing food waste and ensuring a complete record of logistics history in vaccine delivery.