High-output triboelectric nanogenerator based on L-cystine/nylon composite nanofiber for human bio-mechanical energy harvesting

Thanks to the characteristics of lightweight and high-efficiency in low-frequency, triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is considered a highly promising technology to effectively harvest human mechanical energy. However, the low output of wearable TENG significantly limits its application in self-powered wearable electronic systems. Herein, we propose a high-output multilayer-structured triboelectric nanogenerator (HM-TENG) fabricated by nylon/L-cystine composite nanofiber film (NCNF), which can efficiently harvest various human bio-mechanical energy. Based on the excellent positive triboelectric performance of L-cystine and the corresponding preparation process research, the fabricated TENG by NCNF with 8 w% L-cystine achieves several times the output performance of TENG with pure nylon nanofiber. Besides, the fabricated HM-TENG obtain a high power density of 11.52 W/m2, which is 5–500 folds higher than previous related research work. Importantly, relied on the designed power management circuit and the installation of a foot mounted HM-TENG, various self-powered wearable electronic devices constructed by harvesting human bio-mechanical energy have been successfully demonstrated. Our research not only provides a novel method for developing high-output TENG but also offers a important solution for the design of self-powered electronic devices.