{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Graphene-Infused Sustainable Rubber-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator For Real-Time Human Motion Monitoring.
{Author}: Sharma S;Thapa A;Pramanik S;Sengupta C;Mondal T;
{Journal}: Small
{Volume}: 0
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2024 Aug 7
{Factor}: 15.153
{DOI}: 10.1002/smll.202404771
{Abstract}: Triboelectric 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.