Core–shell coaxially structured triboelectric nanogenerator for energy harvesting and motion sensing

Converting sustainable human motion energy into electric energy has become an urgent task for the advancement of next-generation wearable and portable electronics. Herein, a core–shell coaxially structured triboelectric nanogenerator (CSTN) was fabricated by inserting an inner hollow circular tube into an outer hollow circular tube, and a gasbag is constructed within the space between the inner and outer tubes. Both Ni-coated polyester conductive textile and the conductive silicone rubber were used as effective electrode materials. The CSTN has excellent properties, including flexibility, light weight, sustainability and biological compatibility due to its unique structural design and materials selection. The CSTN can convert various forms of human motion energy, such as pressing, bending and twisting motion, into electric energy. A high short-circuit current of 11 μA and an open-circuit voltage of 380 V can be obtained from a CSTN with a length of 6 cm, corresponding to a high peak power of 1.638 mW at a load resistance of about 10 MΩ. When six such CSTNs are connected in parallel and placed under shoes, the electric energy output by normal walking can light up 60 LEDs connected serially and power up a competition-timer. The device can also sense different bending angles or twisting angles according to its signal outputs under different deformation angles. This study indicates the promising application prospects of the CSTN for next-generation devices, including self-powered illuminating devices, portable electronics, body motion sensing and health monitoring.