Transistor-like triboiontronics with record-high charge density for self-powered sensors and neurologic analogs

The electrical double layer (EDL) between solids and liquids serves as the primary interface for ionic‐electronic coupling and is pivotal in nanoscale phenomena, governing electric field effects, ion transport, surface interactions, etc. Dynamically regulating the EDL through mechanical or electrostatic methods can influence charge carrier behavior, thereby impacting energy scavenging and storage processes. This regulation enabled efficient energy scavenging by governing ionic migration and optimizing charge carrier concentration at the interface, presenting a novel avenue to achieve efficient energy and information flow. Here, various scavenging energy and information devices through dynamically regulating the EDL are systematically reviewed. They are classified into three groups by regulating the distribution and movement of charge carriers throughout the entire EDL, diffuse layer, and Debye length range. The review provided a comprehensive overview of the operating principles, influencing factors, output characteristics, and typical applications, along with a discussion on future challenges. This holistic examination offers researchers valuable insights for evaluating their applicability in various scenarios.

Scavenging Energy and Information through Dynamically Regulating the Electrical Double Layer

Li,

Wang,

Wei

2024

Conformal Self‐Powered Inertial Displacement Sensor with Geometric Optimization for In Situ Noninvasive Data Acquisition

Du,

Shen,

Liu

et al. 2024

The growing focus on health management and smart technology advancements have propelled the use of wearable sensors in healthcare and human body motion analysis, particularly in preventing work‐related upper limb musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) through guided exercises. However, most available wearable medical sensors are rigid, bulky, and incapable of in situ recognition of the comprehensive motion of human body. Here, a conformal self‐powered inertial displacement sensor (CSIDS) with geometric optimization for in situ noninvasive inertial data acquisition is proposed. Leveraging template‐assisted processing and COMSOL simulation, the geometric configurations of tribo‐layer materials, specifically focusing on the curvature of semicylindrical protrusions is systematically altered. This enhancement significantly improves the detection accuracy of joint range of motion. The features of shoulder joint bending angles and linear accelerations of the humerus are accurately captured using a deep learning model based on multilayer perceptron (MLP) networks, resulting in an exceptional recognition accuracy of 99.38% and 99.58%. Compared to traditional TENG wearable sensors that can only identify single metrics, CSIDS achieves a more comprehensive health assessment through inertial data detection. This system provides early warning for shoulder joint diseases, prevents MSDs, and extends to smart wearables for comprehensive joint health and ergonomic monitoring.

Triboelectric Programmed Droplet Manipulation for Plug‐and‐Play Assembly

Li,

Zhang

et al. 2024

Programmed droplet transport which is typically directed by surface energy gradients or external fields, is crucial in domains ranging from chemical reaction modulation to self‐powered intelligent sensing. However, droplet motion control remains constrained by path reconfiguration, requirements on chemical surface modification, and platform complexity. Here, a more universal plug‐and‐play droplet manipulation paradigm based on liquid‐solid contact electrification and triboelectricwetting on common dielectric surfaces is reported. By regulating the electrical double layer via asymmetric ion dynamics, the triboelectric charge polarity of droplets can be adjusted, enabling in situ manipulation without path reconfiguration dictated by the conventional droplet motion output. Droplets achieved an ultrahigh velocity of 450 mm s−1 on general surfaces, significantly exceeding the speeds observed in droplets subjected to constant electrostatic fields with chemical modifications. This flexible and modular functionally decoupled manipulation strategy offers an environmentally friendly, cost‐effective, and versatile paradigm, facilitating applications in chemical analysis and smart sensing.