Potential energy-assisted coupling of phase change materials with triboelectric nanogenerator enabling a thermally triggered, smart, and self-powered IoT thermal and fire hazard sensor: Design, fabrication, and applications

Thermal and Fire hazards result in numerous damage to human life and property. The early detection and instant communication of potential hazards using environmentally sustainable sensors before they occur would significantly reduce the negative impact on the environment while saving lives and property from destruction. Here-in, for the first time, a self-powered thermal and fire hazard sensor was designed by coupling gravitational potential energy to the triboelectric effect to generate electric signals. Harnessing the mechanical integrity and phase change property of the paraffin rod, it is employed as mechanical load support and thermal receptor in the sensor. Furthermore, the sensor was integrated with several communication interfaces such as liquid crystal display (LCD), Wi-Fi emitter, light-emitting diode (LED) light, IoT network, and mobile phone. The sensor exhibited an instant response (∼0 s response time) at temperature ranges between 80 and 89 °C.