Self-Sterilized Flexible Single-Electrode Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Energy Harvesting and Dynamic Force Sensing.

Guo, Huijuan; Li, Tao; Cao, Xiaotao; Xiong, Jin; Jie, Yang; Willander, Magnus; Cao, Xia; Wang, Ning et al. · ACS Nano · 2017

basic_science · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) offer great opportunities to deploy advanced wearable electronics that integrate a power generator and smart sensor, which eliminates the associated cost and sustainability concerns. Here, an embodiment of such integrated platforms has been presented in a graphene oxide (GO) based single-electrode TENG (S-TENG). The as-designed multifunctional device could not only harvest tiny bits of mechanical energy from ambient movements with a high power density of 3.13 W·m<sup>-2</sup> but also enable detecting dynamic force with an excellent sensitivity of about 388 μA·MPa<sup>-1</sup>. Because of the two-dimensional nanostructure and excellent surface properties, the GO-based S-TENG shows sensitive force detection and sound antimicrobial activity in comparison with conventional poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) electrodes. This technology offers great applicability prospects in portable/wearable electronics, micro/nanoelectromechanical devices, and self-powered sensors.