Transparent and attachable ionic communicators based on self-cleanable triboelectric nanogenerators

TLDR

Human‑machine interfaces rely on wearable or attachable electronics that must be stretchable, biocompatible, and transparent, yet current devices are limited by weight, volume, and energy efficiency. The study aims to develop a stably self‑cleanable, transparent, and attachable ionic communicator using triboelectric nanogenerators. The communicator is fabricated by integrating triboelectric nanogenerators with surface functionalization using (heptadecafluoro‑1,1,2,2‑tetrahydrodecyl)trichlorosilane, which enhances sensitivity while preserving optical transparency and electrical stability through a self‑cleaning effect. The resulting device adheres comfortably to skin, enables real‑time human‑machine communication, and, due to its self‑cleaning, transparent, and robust design, could support attachable ionics, self‑powered sensor networks, and biomechanical motion monitoring.

Abstract

Human-machine interfaces have benefited from the advent of wireless sensor networks and the internet of things, but rely on wearable/attachable electronics exhibiting stretchability, biocompatibility, and transmittance. Limited by weight and volume, wearable devices should be energy efficient and even self-powered. Here, we report practical approaches for obtaining a stably self-cleanable, transparent and attachable ionic communicator based on triboelectric nanogenerators. The communicator can be easily applied on human skin due to softness and chemically anchored robust layers. It functions as a means of real-time communication between humans and machines. Surface functionalization on the communicator by (heptadecafluoro-1,1,2,2-tetrahydrodecyl)trichlorosilane improves sensitivity and makes the communicator electrically and optically stable due to the self-cleaning effect without sacrificing transmittance. This research may benefit the potential development of attachable ionics, self-powered sensor networks, and monitoring systems for biomechanical motion.