Graphene‐Infused Sustainable Rubber‐Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator For Real‐Time Human Motion Monitoring

Abstract

AbstractTriboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) are promising alternatives for clean energy harvesting. However, the material utilization in the development of TENG relies majorly on polymers derived from non‐renewable resources. Therefore, minimizing the carbon footprint associated with such TENG development demands a shift toward usage of sustainable materials. This study pioneers using natural rubber (NR) as a sustainable alternative in TENG development. Infusing graphene in NR, its dielectric constant and tribonegativity are optimized, yielding a remarkable enhancement. The optimized sample exhibits a dielectric constant of 411 (at 103 Hz) and a contact potential difference (CPD) value of 1.85 V. In contrast, the pristine NR sample showed values of 6 and 3.06 V for the dielectric constant and CPD. Simulation and experimental studies fine‐tune the TENG's performance, demonstrating excellent agreement between theoretical predictions and practical studies. Sensors developed via stencil printing technique possess a remarkably low layer thickness of 270 µm, and boast a power density of 420 mW m−2, a staggering 250% increase over conventional NR. Moreover, the material is pressure sensitive, enabling precise real‐time human motion detection, including finger contact, finger bending, neck bending, and arm bending. This versatile sensor offers wireless monitoring, empowering healthcare monitoring based on the Internet of Things.