Self-powered triboelectric nanogenerator with enhanced surface charge density for dynamic multidirectional pressure sensing†

Abstract

In the rapidly evolving landscape of the internet of things (IoT) and the burgeoning field of biomedical applications, development in human–machine interfaces and human motion monitoring has accentuated the need for real-time pressure sensing. However, the challenge of developing a sensor that combines high sensitivity in the low pressure range with real-time remote sensing capability has remained a significant obstacle in both fields. Herein, a self-powered triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) based pressure sensor (STEPs) with real-time remote sensing ability is proposed to meet these critical demands, offering high sensitivity in the range of 0–70 mmHg, catering to the needs of human–machine interface and biomedical applications. The STEPs introduces an innovative composite material, blending polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), carbon black (CB), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) for improved sensing performance, then this is subjected to ultrasonication and degassing to ensure homogeneous dispersion. The doping of CB and PVP at optimal percentages into the PDMS matrix of the STEPs, together with a unique three-dimensional structure of the sensor, achieves an optimized surface charge density, leading to a high sensitivity 2.61 ± 0.02 mV mmHg⁻¹, as compared with previous works. A wireless measurement and data transfer system, established between a STEPs array for multidirectional pressure sensing and a remote readout device following the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), further enables real-time remote display of pressure readings. This research underscores the novelty and broad applicability of this sensor, with the potential to revolutionize self-powered wearable sensors in both human–machine interface and biomedical applications.