Triboelectric-Driven (bio)Mechanical Sensors Based on 2D Materials and Textile Platforms

Healthcare and well-being are on the brink of revolution with the integration of self-powered sensing technology in textiles. Key to this revolution is triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), leveraging the interplay of utilized materials' electronegativity and electrostatic induction. These devices harness untapped energy by converting human activities and physiological signals (like walking, breathing, heartbeat), along with vibrations from sounds and machinery, into green electricity. TENG (bio)sensors offer a promising self-powered and eco-friendly alternative to battery-powered devices, perfect for wearable healthcare and environmental monitoring.<br/><br/>In my presentation, I will discuss our advancements in developing flexible, mechanically robust, lightweight, and resilient TENG (bio)sensors for practical application demands. I will show how we create textile TENGs using 2D materials and their heterostructures as both active sensing layers and electrode materials. One highlight of our research is a novel textile beeswax TENG capable of harvesting acoustic energy, functioning as a sound detector or self-powered microphone. This device can also act as an acoustic hybrid energy harvester, converting acoustic pollution and mechanical vibrations, such as those from working engines, into usable electrical energy.<br/><br/>Additionally, I will demonstrate the application of 2D material heterostructures in wearable TENG biosensors for continuous monitoring of physiological signals. These sensors detect various volatile organic compounds, including acetone and styrene, as well as cortisol levels in sweat, which are associated with various diseases. Furthermore, I will discuss the potential of these sensors to detect elevated body temperatures, as they exhibit responses to temperature changes.