Development and Characterization of a Sustainable Bamboo–Polyvinylidene Fluoride Electro Spun Piezoelectric Nanogenerator Device for Smart Health Monitoring

Nanofiber mats are gaining attention for their wide range of uses, including energy harvesting and health monitoring systems. This study focuses on developing eco-friendly piezoelectric sensors by incorporating bamboo microfibrils into a poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) matrix, which can transform conventional wheelchairs into smart wheelchairs capable of real-time movement monitoring. Bamboo microfibrils (layover biomass collected from industrial waste) were added to PVDF nanofibers in different weight percentages and analyzed by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The structure and diameter were observed through field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Results showed a marked improvement in the structural and piezoelectric performance of the nanofibers, with a maximum output voltage of 29.75 V and a power density of 503.8 μW/cm³ at 4% bamboo content during a hand-tapping test. This represents an 8-fold increase in voltage and fifty-fold increase in power density compared to pure PVDF sensors. The sensors were also tested for breathability and waterproof properties, ensuring patient comfort and reliability for continuous monitoring. These sustainable, sensitive, and durable sensors demonstrate significant potential in healthcare innovations, aligning with global sustainability efforts, and offering a promising solution for smart wheelchairs and other medical applications.