Chemical Sensor Based on Piezoelectric/Triboelectric Nanogenerators: A Review of the Modular Design Strategy

Abstract

Piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators (P-TENGs) have emerged as promising technologies for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, with potential applications in self-powered wearable and environmental monitoring devices. Modular design in P-TENGs, characterized by the flexible assembly and customization of device components, enables the development of sustainable and versatile chemical sensors. In this review, we focus on the role of modularity in P-TENG-based chemical sensing, discussing how it enhances design flexibility, sensing versatility, scalability, and integration with other technologies. We explore the various strategies for functionalizing P-TENGs with specific recognition elements, facilitating selective and sensitive detection of target chemicals such as gases, biochemicals, or biomolecules. Furthermore, we examine the integration of modular P-TENGs with energy storage devices, signal conditioning circuits, and wireless communication modules, highlighting the potential for creating advanced, self-powered sensing systems. Finally, we address the challenges and future directions in the development of modular P-TENG-based chemical sensors (PCS and TCS), emphasizing the importance of improving selectivity, stability, and reproducibility for practical applications.

Advances in Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Sustainable and Renewable Energy: Working Mechanism, Tribo-Surface Structure, Energy Storage-Collection System, and Applications

“…Examples include the development of a triboelectric nanogenerator for self-powered chemical sensors [251], the construction of a ring-shaped vibration TENG for vibration sensors [252], the creation of a sliding-mode TENG for self-powered security applications [253], the fabrication of a 3DWE-TENG for self-powered stretchable sensors, the construction of an SWF-TENG for self-powered stretchable sensing [254], the development of self-powered humidity sensors with structured surfaces (nanowire, nanoporous, nanotube, and monolayer) [255], the use of a garment-integrated TENG for pressure sensors [256], the construction of hybrid TENGs for self-powered sensors [257], self-powered humidity, and temperature sensors [258], the utilization of a flexible TENG based on MXene/GO composites for self-powered health monitoring [259], the construction of a C-TENG for self-powered strain sensors [260], and the production of a hybrid TENG and a piezoelectric nanogenerator for self-powered wear-able sensors [261]. Numerous surveys have highlighted the advantages of TENGs, such as their potential as a blue energy source [262], their role as a renewable energy resource [263], their green energy source suitability with sustainable diagnostics for human healthcare applications [244], their clean energy source attributes with small sizes [150], their ability to offer flexibility and smart applications through materials like MXene-TENG [264], their use as a self-powered device for biomechanical energy harvesting and behavior sensing [265], their suitability for portable and flexible wearable sensing and human healthcare applications [266], their ability to provide flexible and self-charging power systems [267], their capacity for stability and selectivity in self-powered and advanced chemical sensor systems [268], their capability to enhance the energy conversion efficiency for powering LEDs and various TENG applications [269], their proficiency as an effective power resource for flexible pressure sensing and portable electronic equipment [270], their competence in harvesting energy from low-frequency acoustic waves for capacitor charging [146], their ability to sensitively detect physiological signals [146], their characteristics of sustainable and efficient energy conversion ...…”

From Body Monitoring to Biomolecular Sensing: Current Progress and Future Perspectives of Triboelectric Nanogenerators in Point-of-Care Diagnostics

“…This innovative device is capable of converting mechanical energy from various sources, such as human motion, wind, or water waves, into useful electrical energy [ 5 , 6 , 7 ]. This conversion principle, which is grounded in the triboelectric effect, involves a wide selection of triboelectric materials with different and, in some cases, even the same, electron affinity that lead to electron transfer and generate an alternating electrical current if combined with the electrostatic induction effect [ 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Consequently, the broad applicability and adaptability of TENGs make them a sustainable and efficient solution in diverse sectors, ranging from environmental monitoring to biomedical applications.…”

Beyond energy harvesting: a review on the critical role of MXene in triboelectric nanogenerator

“…One of the primary challenges lies in their material durability, especially under diverse environmental conditions. The efficiency of TENGs can be significantly affected by factors such as humidity, temperature fluctuations, and mechanical wear over time [24,25] . Additionally, the electrical output of TENGs, while impressive for small-scale applications, often requires enhancement to meet the demands of larger or more power-intensive applications [26][27][28] .…”