An origami structure triboelectric nanogenerator based on PVDF/BaTiO3 for muscle strain monitoring in running sports

Wearable sensing devices for monitoring human muscle health have received much attention. Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), which is renewable, sustainable, and green, will promote the development of wearable electronic devices. However, there is still room for development in the material and structural design of wearable TENGs. In this work, we proposed a polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) film doped with BaTiO3, named PVDF/BaTiO3, for triboelectric nanogenerator (PB-TENG) fabrication. The PVDF/BaTiO3 film has a unique surface micro-structure of porous scales and a fluffy 3D network architecture, which is beneficial for enhancing triboelectric efficiency. The cross-elastic origami architecture of PB-TENG brings high stability and recoverable mechanical properties to PB-TENG devices. According to the results, the maximum output power of PB-TENG can reach 2.15 mW with a load of 25 MΩ. The transferred charge (Qsc) of PB-TENG can arrive at 541 nC. Besides, the PB-TENG can act as a self-powered sensor for muscle strain diagnosis and monitoring. This research provides a new path for intelligent sports development.