Next-Generation Flexible and Wearable Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on PVDF-HFP@GCN Composite for Mechanical Energy Scavenging and Sleep Pattern Detection

Energy harvesting play's important role in the development of portable self-powered electronic devices. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have attracted many researchers’ attention with their remarkable and unique electrical energy harvesting potential. In this work, the fabrication of mechanically flexible, stable, and wearable TENGs is reported. Various concentrations of 2D graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) are added to PVDF-HFP solution to prepare PVDF-HFP@GCN composite film. PVDF-HFP with 3wt.% of GCN film has generated superior electrical performances with 153.25 V of voltage, 20.63 µA of current, and 50.31 nC of charge at 5N force and 5 Hz frequency. The maximum power density is 4.52 W m⁻² at 50 MΩ. The output voltage and current are enhanced to 253.32 V and 31.92 µA, respectively at 15 N force and 5 Hz frequency. Furthermore, the fabricated TENG is integrated with 10 µF capacitor and a bridge rectifier to power the digital timer clock and turn on LEDs. Besides functioning as a power source, fabricated TENG has substantial capability for harvesting mechanical energy and sleep monitoring. Further, the device can be used as a TENG sensor for smart street light applications. Excellent mechanical flexibility, stability, and wearable attributes of PVDF-HFP@GCN composite film-based TENG device can be used as an attractive candidate for future applications.