A Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on MgSiO3 Powder for a Human Motion Counter

Abstract

In recent years, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have developed rapidly and attracted the attention of researchers all over the world. Here, a novel waved-shaped triboelectric nanogenerator using the MgSiO 3 powder (W-TENG) was developed. In this work, polyethylene terephthalate film and MgSiO 3 powder form the triboelectric pairs. W-TENG devices can convert mechanical energy into electric energy. From the results, the maximum output power of a W-TENG can reach 184 µW. Additionally, a W-TENG can generate an open-circuit voltage (V oc ) of 224.26 V, a short-circuit current (I sc ) of 2.74 µA, and a transferred charge of 37.8 nC. Moreover, a W-TENG can serve as a self-powered human motion counter. This design describes a portable TENG device that can promote the self-powered human motion sensor application. KeywordsTriboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) • MgSiO 3 powder • self-powered sensor • human motion monitoring * Shuang Zhao

A Review of Recent Advances in Human-Motion Energy Harvesting Nanogenerators, Self-Powering Smart Sensors and Self-Charging Electronics

“…To achieve the highest possible TENG performance, selecting materials with a high electronegativity difference and appropriate microstructural engineering is essential to maximize efficient surface charge generation [ 85 ]. Commonly used substrate materials include natural materials such as silk [ 86 ], cotton [ 87 ] and paper [ 88 ]; polymers, namely polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) [ 89 , 90 , 91 ], poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) [ 92 ], fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) [ 93 ], polyethylene terephthalate (PET) [ 94 , 95 , 96 ] and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) [ 96 , 97 ]; metals such as Copper [ 98 ] and Aluminum [ 99 ]; semi-conductors such as silicon [ 100 , 101 ] or titanium dioxide [ 102 , 103 ] and textiles (cotton [ 104 ]). As for conductive material, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon particles, metals and metal oxides, graphene, nanowire-based materials, and conductive polymers have been utilized for their flexible and stretchable characteristics [ 105 ].…”

Human body IoT systems based on the triboelectrification effect: energy harvesting, sensing, interfacing and communication

“…Zhao et al designed a new wave-shaped TENG (W-TENG), which yielded an open-circuit voltage of 224.26 V and a short-circuit current of 2.74 mA. 170 Its maximum output power reached up to 184 mW. The described W-TENG can work as a self-powered human walking counter for promotion of sensor applications.…”