Triboelectric nanogenerators based on antimicrobial, stretchable, and degradable copper-modified zinc imidazolate framework-8/chitosan composite films for sensitive medical care

Triboelectric materials are critical for triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), as they not only determine output performance but also provide multifunctional capabilities, such as high antimicrobial activity and degradability. In this study, copper-modified zinc imidazolate framework-8/chitosan (Cu/ZIF-8/CS) triboelectric materials with excellent output performance, high antimicrobial activity, UV protection, and degradation were prepared by loading bimetallic Cu/ZIF-8 onto the surface of CS films. These materials were then used to fabricate xCu/ZIF-8/CS-TENG (ZC-TENG) based on the composite film of Cu/ZIF-8/CS. The loading of Cu/ZIF-8 onto the surface of CS films enriches the metal element species on the CS film surface and modifies the surface microstructure of the CS films. This modification promotes charge transfer on the film surface, enhances the films' antimicrobial mechanism of action, and ultimately improves the output performance and antimicrobial effect of TENGs. The optimized ZC-TENG demonstrated an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 281.3 V, a short-circuit current (Isc) of 26.4 μA, and a maximum output power density of 239 mW·m⁻² at 3 Hz. Additionally, the antibacterial rate reached 83.23%. Furthermore, the designed ZC-TENG exhibits exceptional stretchability, UV protection, degradability, and biocompatibility, properties that can propel its development for disposable healthcare self-powered sensors.