Unveiling Peritoneum Membrane for a Robust Triboelectric Nanogenerator

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are smart alternative energy harvesters to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy to power small and portable electronic devices. A key challenge in fabricating an efficient TENG lies in the choice of an active material in addition to the mechanical stability and robust output performance of the device. This report suggests, for the first time, the use of a peritoneum membrane as a triboelectrically positive material for designing TENGs. The peritoneum covers the abdominal wall and diaphragm of mammals except for the kidneys and the adrenal glands and consists of a structure of a well-defined network of elastic fibers. Our peritoneum-based TENG (p-TENG) can generate an open-circuit output voltage of ∼550 V, output current density of ∼100 mA m^-2, and instantaneous output power density of 9.4 Wm^-2. This work demonstrates the p-TENG as a portable power source, a self-powered pedometer, and a speedometer, which conveys its futuristic applications for health care purposes. Our p-TENG is highly stable, delivering a constant output voltage of ∼550 V over a period of 90 days. The introduction of a biowaste peritoneum membrane as a triboelectrically positive component in the TENG has great potential as a portable alternative energy source owing to its abundance, stability, low cost, and ease of fabrication.