Dysprosium tungstate incorporated on exfoliated layered molybdenum disulfide-based a flexible and wearable piezoelectric nanogenerator for the dual purpose of self-powered energy harvesting and a smart mask for human breath monitoring

The rapid spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), including the Omicron, and Delta variants, has resulted in severe economic losses and health issues worldwide. This crisis has particularly impacted the human respiratory system, demanding urgent solutions. With this goal in mind, we have developed a novel DyW@MoS2-based FPENG for self-powered energy harvesting and a smart mask for monitoring human breath. The highest piezoelectric response was observed at 30 wt% of FPENG (∼1.30 V), which is ∼1.9 times better than MoS2–PDMS FPENG. The generated voltages from the FPENG are used to charge capacitors, power the LEDs, and run a wristwatch. Additionally, the RS-FPENG is employed in real-time demonstrations as a self-powered smart mask for monitoring human breath. RS-FPENG showed ∼141 mV even ∼90% humidity, confirming that the water vapor generated doesn't affect human breath monitoring. FFT results revealed that the RS-FPENG can distinguish between normal and fast breathing. By connecting the RS-FPENG to an LED circuit system, the glowing LED can be turned off when a person stops breathing. The fabricated smart mask exhibits excellent unique capabilities, including small size, simple fabrication, easy installation, and cost-effectiveness, making it suitable for respiratory system monitoring during the COVID-19 pandemic.