Integrated Multilayered Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Harvesting Biomechanical Energy from Human Motions

TLDR

The study introduces a low‑cost, lightweight, multilayered triboelectric nanogenerator that integrates five functional layers onto a single flexible substrate. Its flexible, multilayer architecture allows seamless integration into clothing or onto the human body without impeding motion. The device delivers up to 0.66 mA short‑circuit current, 215 V open‑circuit voltage, and a peak power density of 9.8 mW cm⁻², enabling real‑time LED illumination during walking and representing the first 3D integrated TENG with enhanced output power.

Abstract

We demonstrate a new flexible multilayered triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) with extremely low cost, simple structure, small size (3.8 cm×3.8 cm×0.95 cm) and lightweight (7 g) by innovatively integrating five layers of units on a single flexible substrate. Owing to the unique structure and nanopore-based surface modification on the metal surface, the instantaneous short-circuit current (Isc) and the open-circuit voltage (Voc) could reach 0.66 mA and 215 V with an instantaneous maximum power density of 9.8 mW/cm2 and 10.24 mW/cm3. This is the first 3D integrated TENG for enhancing the output power. Triggered by press from normal walking, the TENG attached onto a shoe pad was able to instantaneously drive multiple commercial LED bulbs. With the flexible structure, the TENG can be further integrated into clothes or even attached onto human body without introducing sensible obstruction and discomfort to human motions. The novel design of TENG demonstrated here can be applied to potentially achieve self-powered portable electronics.