Acid- and alkali-resistant, UV-shielding, and photocatalytic self-cleaning nanofiber membrane-based wearable triboelectric nanogenerator for ultra-low-frequency energy-harvesting and self-powered sensors

Wearable single-electrode triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), known for their simple design and construction, have attracted significant attentions for their applications in self-powered sensing and human energy harvesting. Herein, fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-HFP) as the matrix, TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles modified with 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS) as functional materials, PVDF-HFP/TiO2/ZnO (PTZ) nanofiber membranes, serving as the friction and encapsulation layers for TENG, were prepared by electrospinning. Phytic acid-doped polyaniline (PANI), serving as the electrode layer for TENG, was prepared by in-situ polymerization. The results showed that the frequency of 0.51 Hz, and the thickness of 125 μm, the open-circuit voltage (Voc) and short-circuit current (Isc) of the PTZ-based TENG reached the highest value of 255 V and − 640–615nA, respectively, when using polyoxymethylene (POM) nanofiber membrane as positive material. Moreover, PTZ-based TENG had demonstrated excellent properties, such as the acid- and alkali-resistant, photocatalytic self-cleaning, and UV-shielding, shown the potential for use in extreme environment. Meanwhile, PTZ-based TENG had vividly demonstrated the hydrophobicity, flame retardancy, flexibility, conductive durability, breathability and moisture permeability. The PTZ-based TENG, as a self-powered electricity source, can not only instantly light up 35 LEDs but also charge electronic watch and calculator. Moreover, it can also serve as a sensor switch, integrated into the surface of a lab coat, where it can be lightly touched to activate an alarm system in case of danger. Interestingly, the PTZ-based TENG is also expected to serve as a kind of electrostatic-induction switch, turning light bulbs on or off without direct contact.