Recent Progress in Self-Powered Sensors Based on Liquid-Solid Triboelectric Nanogenerators

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Energy Harvesting
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Growing demand for autonomous sensors without external power sources.
• Limitations of conventional power sources like batteries in specific applications.
• Emergence of self-powered sensors as a low-cost, stable, and eco-friendly alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the working principles and parameters affecting liquid-solid triboelectric nanogenerators (L-S TENGs).
• To explore the application of L-S TENGs in various self-powered sensing modalities.
• To highlight the significance of continuous output signals for real-time sensing and IoT growth.

Main Methods:

• Introduction to the fundamental working principle of L-S TENGs, including three basic modes.
• Review of parameters influencing L-S TENG performance based on liquid and solid phase properties.
• Analysis of diverse L-S TENG structures designed for different sensing applications.

Main Results:

• L-S TENGs effectively harness mechanical energy for self-powered sensing.
• Demonstrated applications include sensing pressure, liquid flow, concentration, and chemical/biochemical analytes.
• Continuous output signals are vital for real-time monitoring capabilities.

Conclusions:

• Self-powered sensors based on L-S TENGs offer rapid response, portability, cost-effectiveness, and miniaturization.
• These sensors are critical for enhancing living standards and optimizing industrial processes.
• L-S TENGs are pivotal for the advancement of real-time sensing and the Internet of Things.