High power triboelectric nanogenerator based on nanofibers of silk protein and PVBVA and its motion sensing applications

Rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT)-based healthcare and biomedical research has surged the demand for versatile electronics with seamless human–machine interfaces. However, chemical batteries hinder interfacing with the human body, and this limitation can be mitigated by using self-powered devices. Here, we introduce a novel strategy to develop a high-power and protein-based triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) suitable for self-powered human–machine interfacial applications in daily life. The TENG consists of electrospun PEO-Silk nanofibers (PEO-Silk-NFs) and poly(vinyl butyral-co-vinyl alcohol-co-vinyl acetate) nanofibers (PVBVA-NFs). Owing to large surface areas and electrical affinity differences between the two NFs, a high TENG performance with an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of ∼ 2.1 kV, a short-circuit current (Isc) of ∼ 6.5 µA, and an impressive power density of ∼ 196 mW/cm2 are obtained. The PVBVA-NF/PEO-Silk-NF TENG is highly sensitive to impact forces and thus allows effective and continuous monitoring of body joint movements. Additionally, the PVBVA-NF/PEO-Silk-NF TENG is water-resistant, completely recyclable, and wearable, which make it an excellent option for future IoT applications. Our research paves the way for high-voltage output and motion-sensing solutions for the next phase of wearable electronics based on self-powered and sustainable technology.