Rubber Tube-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Simultaneous Energy Harvesting and Real-Time Health Monitoring in...

Recent advances in wearable sensor technologies and functional material engineering have significantly accelerated the development of intelligent sports systems. Here, we developed a rubber tube-structured triboelectric nanogenerator (RT-TENG) that integrates the triboelectric layer, conductive electrode, and mechanical support into a single body, offering simplified fabrication and reduced cost while maintaining reliable output. By employing fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) and as the triboelectric pair, the RT-TENG achieves a peak output of 133 V, 27 μA, and 52 nC, with a maximum power of ≈1.0 mW under optimal load. It exhibits strong environmental adaptability with temperature-enhanced and humidity-sensitive performance, as well as force-dependent output and robust energy storage capability. Furthermore, the RT-TENG successfully powers a digital thermo-hygrometer and enables real-time, self-powered monitoring of joint motion and impact intensity in taekwondo, highlighting its promise for wearable biomechanical sensing and low-power sports electronics.