Robust Multilayered Encapsulation for High-Performance Triboelectric Nanogenerator in Harsh Environment

Abstract

Harvesting biomechanical energy especially in vivo is of special significance for sustainable powering of wearable/implantable electronics. The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is one of the most promising solutions considering its high efficiency, low cost, light weight, and easy fabrication, but its performance will be greatly affected if there is moisture or liquid leaked into the device when applied in vivo. Here, we demonstrate a multiple encapsulation process of the TENG to maintain its output performance in various harsh environments. Through systematic studies, the encapsulated TENG showed great reliability in humid or even harsh environment over 30 days with a stability index of more than 95%. Given its outstanding reliability, the TENG has the potential to be applied in variety of circumstances to function as a sustainable power source for self-powered biomedical electronics and environmental sensing systems.

Transcatheter Self‐Powered Ultrasensitive Endocardial Pressure Sensor

“…Schematic illustration of the SEPS is shown in Figure b. The surface of the nano‐polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film was treated by the inductively coupled plasma (ICP) method . Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) images of the nano‐PTFE film (25 µm) employed as one of the triboelectric layers are shown in Figure c,d, respectively.…”

Implantable Energy‐Harvesting Devices

“…For most IVEHs, encapsulation is essential for preventing damage to the devices due to body fluids and tissue. The encapsulation materials must be biocompatible, flexible, and stable, which can minimize the risks of leakage and immune responses …”

“…Also, other researchers have used inorganic materials, such as Al 2 O 3 deposited on the organic encapsulation material, to fill the gaps between the polymer chains. This could enhance the water‐resistance and anticorrosion performance of the encapsulation layer …”

The recent advances in self‐powered medical information sensors

“…Additionally, when the TENGs and PENGs were implanted in animal body, the devices will be subjected to a long‐term wrapping by surrounding tissues, which will affect the structure stability of TENGs and PENGs and then shorten their lifetime. Currently, the common used strategy is external encapsulation by waterproof polymer film or depositing waterproof coating . For some specific application scenarios, a tunable lifetime of the sensor is expected.…”