A flexible high-output triboelectric nanogenerator based on MXene/CNT/PEDOT hybrid film for self-powered wearable sensors

Developing flexible, low-cost, and self-powered triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) with high output performance is an enormous challenge for reliable wearable electronics, whereas the disadvantages of low surface charge density hinder their potential applications. Here, a hybrid film consists of 1D carbon nanotubes (CNT), 2D niobium carbide (Nb2CTx) MXene, and conductive polymer (PEDOT) was prepared by one step vacuum assisted filtration method. A flexible high-output TENG with CNT/Nb2CTx/PEDOT hybrid membrane as the electrode and triboelectric layer for self-powered wearable sensors was obtained. Due to the synergistic effect of CNT, Nb2CTx MXene and PEDOT, the maximum output performance of the TENG sensor is achieved with an open circuit voltage (Voc) of 184.1 V and a short-circuit current (Isc) of 4.42 μA for device based on the CNT/MP11 hybrid film. Moreover, the corresponding sensor also has superior sensitivity with a response time of 20 ms, recovery time of 30 ms and good stability of over 400 cycles. Our findings provide a simple way for preparation of stable electrode layer and triboelectric layer, which have a broad application prospect in TENG-based wearable electronics.