(A) flexible triboelectric nanogenerator with conductive shear thickening fluid

Abstract

As a self-powered wearable device, triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) with liquid as a single electrode has attracted significant attention. However, the liquid-based single electrode TENG shows poor mechanical robustness. In this work, to change itself firmly only when a strong impact is applied while maintaining its flexibility and shape-adaptability, a conductive shear thickening fluid (STF) was introduced as a single electrode. The STF, composed of water, NaCl, and corn starch, was fabricated and its rheological behavior was characterized. The electrical output performances of a TENG using the STF (STF-TENG) were compared to two control TENGs. By measuring the contact force on each TENG, shear thickening effect was confirmed. Impact-absorbing, mechanical robustness, and durability of the STF-TENG were also evaluated. Additionally, and impact monitoring system using the STF-TENG was proposed. The system could warn of a dangerous impact in real time.