Recent Progress in Sensing Technology Based on Triboelectric Nanogenerators in Dynamic Behaviors

Abstract

Under the trend of the rapid development of the internet of things (IoT), sensing for dynamic behaviors is widely needed in many fields such as traffic management, industrial production, medical treatment, building health monitoring, etc. Due to the feature of power supply independence and excellent working performance under a low-frequency environment, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) as sensors are attracting more and more attention. In this paper, a comprehensive review focusing on the recent advance of TENGs as sensors for dynamic behaviors is conducted. The structure and material are two major factors affecting the performance of sensors. Different structure designs are proposed to make the sensor suitable for different sensing occasions and improve the working performance of the sensors. As for materials, new materials with stronger abilities to gain or lose electrons are fabricated to obtain higher surface charge density. Improving the surface roughness of material by surface engineering techniques is another strategy to improve the output performance of TENG. Based on the advancement of TENG structures and materials, plenty of applications of TENG-based sensors have been developed such as city traffic management, human–computer interaction, health monitoring of infrastructure, etc. It is believed that TENG-based sensors will be gradually commercialized and become the mainstream sensors for dynamic sensing.

Facile fabrication of ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride) thin films with pure γ phase

“…In this regard, poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), which has demonstrated multi-functions including piezo-, pyro-and ferroelectric properties, has been studied for nonvolatile memories, sensors, actuators, and artificial muscles. [1][2][3][4][5][6] This has driven the research of PVDF to a new height with an aim of creating smart materials and devices. [7][8][9] However, the design and fabrication of PVDF-based functional devices with required electroactive properties remains a challenge.…”

Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Marine Applications: Recent Advances in Energy Harvesting, Monitoring, and Self‐Powered Equipment

“…These sensors can also function by the energy produced from self-powered TENGs. [121,122] Recently, Wang et al [123] developed a square box-shaped TENG-based sensor to determine the movement of an object intended to be used for marine navigation. The device was made of a cubic box having three PLA (Polylactic acid) rings and steel balls with FEP, which worked in CS mode to generate output voltage 5-8 V (Figure 16a).…”

“…These sensors can also function by the energy produced from self‐powered TENGs. [ 121,122 ] Recently, Wang et al. [ 123 ] developed a square box‐shaped TENG‐based sensor to determine the movement of an object intended to be used for marine navigation.…”

Smart Printed Triboelectric Wearable Sensor with High Performance for Glove-Based Motion Detection

“…Although carbon materials, such as CNTs and graphene, offer high stability and superior electrical conductivity, their costly and complicated production process, and poor reproducibility restrict their widespread use in commercial products. , Silver, aluminum, nickel, and copper are renowned for their exceptional conductivity. However, the lack of mechanical flexibility in rigid bulk metals restricts their application in wearable electronics. , …”

“…44 Choosing electrodes with high electrical conductivity, suitable surface topography, and flexibility is crucial for high-performance TENGs. 45,46 Various materials, including carbon-based materials, conductive polymers, and metal-based layers, have been employed as flexible electrodes. 47, 48 polymer made of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly-(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT/PSS) as an electrode and positive triboelectric material in the arc-shaped structure of pressure sensor for various control applications in real/cyberspace.…”