PVC/MXene electrospun film triboelectric nanogenerator for efficient mechanical energy harvesting and multifunctional human motion sensing

Wearable devices for human motion monitoring have garnered significant attention in recent years. In this work, the polyvinyl chloride (PVC)/MXene electrospun film-based triboelectric nanogenerator (PM-TENG) was developed for efficient mechanical energy harvesting. Using PVC/MXene as the negative triboelectric material and aluminum foil as the positive material, the PM-TENG exhibits significantly enhanced triboelectric performance, achieving a 325% increase in open-circuit voltage, a 490% increase in short-circuit current, and a 225% increase in transferred charge compared to pure PVC. These enhancements are attributed to MXene’s high conductivity, large surface area, and excellent charge trapping capabilities. The PM-TENG delivers a maximum power output of 4.94 mW at an optimal load resistance of 10 MΩ and boasts a high power density of 4.94 mW/cm2, outperforming existing triboelectric devices. It also demonstrates excellent environmental durability, stability, and multifunctional sensing capabilities, including monitoring physiological signals and biomechanical movements, making it a promising candidate for self-powered wearable sensors, energy harvesting, gesture recognition, and healthcare applications. This research highlights the potential of PM-TENG as high-performance, self-powered systems for energy harvesting and multifunctional sensing, paving the way for advancements in wearable electronics, health monitoring, and sustainable energy solutions.