Stretchable 3D polymer for simultaneously mechanical energy harvesting and biomimetic force sensing

A stretchable three dimensional (3D) polymer based triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) for mechanical harvesting and sensing has been reported. This 3D PPy based TENG makes the output signal three times higher than the traditional TENGs, also an significantly enhanced uniaxial stretchability of up to 310%. An addition of BaTiO3 nanoparticles into the PDMS matrix further gives a 58.8% enhancement of the short circuit current density. This tribo/piezo-coupled electric-interface promotes the detection of acceleration as well as static and dynamic pressure. These results display an ideal way for developing self-driven electronic skins and biomimetic tactile sensors.186