A functional triboelectric nanogenerator based on the LiCl/PVA hydrogel for cheerleading training

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are a novel energy harvesting, sensing system, and information systems device. This work describes the construction of the lithium chloride (LiCl)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel triboelectric nanogenerator (LP-TENG) with easy manufacturing, excellent electrical output, and a wide range of sensing applications. The addition of LiCl powder enhances the PVA hydrogel crosslinking and increases the composite hydrogel's elastic properties. Additionally, the LiCl powder generates microchannels on the hydrogel's surfaces, which enhances ion transport and adds triboelectric outputs through a streaming vibration possible mechanism. Following the single-electrode mode, the LP-TENG's open-circuit voltage reaches up to 276 V. Due to good tensile properties, the LP-TENG shows a monotonically increasing relationship between extensible length and output voltage. Therefore, the remarkable stretchability and ultrahigh sensitivity to mechanical stimulation of the LP-TENG are used to illustrate applications in cheerleading monitoring and human mechanical energy obtaining.