Biodegradable Polymers in Triboelectric Nanogenerators

Abstract

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have attracted much attention because they not only efficiently harvest energy from the surrounding environment and living organisms but also serve as multifunctional sensors toward the detection of various chemical and physical stimuli. In particular, biodegradable TENG (BD-TENG) represents an emerging type of self-powered device that can be degraded, either in physiological environments as an implantable power source without the necessity of second surgery for device retrieval, or in the ambient environment to minimize associated environmental pollution. Such TENGs or TNEG-based self-powered devices can find important applications in many scenarios, such as tissue regeneration, drug release, pacemakers, etc. In this review, the recent progress of TENGs developed on the basis of biodegradable polymers is comprehensively summarized. Material strategies and fabrication schemes of biodegradable and self-powered devices are thoroughly introduced according to the classification of plant-degradable polymer, animal-degradable polymer, and synthetic degradable polymer. Finally, current problems, challenges, and potential opportunities for the future development of BD-TENGs are discussed. We hope this work may provide new insights for modulating the design of BD-TNEGs that can be beneficial for both environmental protection and healthcare.

Biophysical Sensors Based on Triboelectric Nanogenerators

“…Consequently, current is generated in the circuit, and the mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy. In this mode, reducing or increasing the distance between the two materials will change the potential level, and the contact separation cycle is carried out continuously to output alternating current [ 34 ]. This mode has advantages such as simple structure, high instantaneous power density, and high working efficiency [ 35 ].…”

“… The four fundamental working modes of TENG: ( a ) vertical contact-separation mode [ 34 ]; ( b ) lateral-sliding mode [ 34 ]; ( c ) single-electrode mode [ 34 ]; and ( d ) freestanding triboelectric layer mode [ 34 ]; Copyright 2022, Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute. …”

Electrospun nanofibers for medical face mask with protection capabilities against viruses: State of the art and perspective for industrial scale-up

“…It is important to note that these biodegradable TENG showed comparable and in some cases higher QF values to those reported for other inorganic polymer based devices ( Table 4 ) as well as a better biodegradation rate when they are either buried in composting soil or exposed to optimal degradation condition [ 259 , 260 ]. In view of their importance for innovative biomedical application, many of these biodegradable polymers are available on the market nowadays and can be easily dissolved into solution to be used for scalable manufacturing process [ 128 , 262 , 263 ]. These current studies revealed that high performance in particle filtration, self-charging, and charge retention can be achieved by implementing both synthetic and biodegradable polymers-based electrospun membranes.…”

Bioresorbable Pressure Sensor and Its Applications in Abnormal Respiratory Event Identification

“…In recent years, self-powered sensors based on triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have been rapidly developed in wearable and implantable applications. − These kinds of devices have a wide selection of materials, a simple preparation process, a high output voltage, and a low output current. − Driven by external force, their maximum output voltage can reach tens of volts or even hundreds of volts. − The self-powered properties of TENGs based on biodegradable materials have also been demonstrated. − An all-nanofiber, breathable, biodegradable, and antibacterial electronic skin based on TENGs had been prepared and applied for monitoring whole-body physiological signals and joint movement . However, some key challenges of biodegradable TENGs still need to be overcome, such as low sensitivity, poor linearity, and inadequate stability. − In addition, the biocompatibility and biosafety of devices need to be further improved to construct biosensors that can be provided for the diagnosis of diseases in vivo.…”