A Carbon Nanotube-Doped Polyurethane Nanocomposite-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator: A Platform for Efficient Mechanical Energy Harvesting and Self-Powered Motion Sensing

Abstract

Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs) are emerging electronic devices that allow mechanical energy to be converted into electrical energy, positioning them as integral components in the next generation of wearable Internet of Things (IoTs) systems. These devices play a crucial role in efficiently managing the power for small-scale electronics. Consequently, TENGs present significant application potential in self-powered sensor technology. Given the increasingly constrained global energy resources, researchers have focused much attention toward developing self-powered systems. This study introduces a self-powered motion sensing system leveraging a TENG (CNT-TENG) composed of a Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) film doped with Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) and Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as friction materials. The fabricated CNT-TENG with exceptional durability exhibited a maximum power density of 13.5 mW/m² at a resistance of 98 MΩ. Beyond its ability to reliably power a sports timer, the CNT-TENG can also sensitively monitor human movement in real time as a self-sustaining sensor. This innovative design is capable of effectively utilizing human kinetic energy, offering seamless integration with motion sensing applications in sports and wearable technologies.

Keywords: carbon nanotubes; mechanical energy harvesting; nanocomposite; nanomaterials; polyurethane; self-powered sensor; triboelectric nanogenerator.