Triboelectric Active Sensor Array for Self-Powered Static and Dynamic Pressure Detection and Tactile Imaging

Abstract

We report an innovative, large-area, and self-powered pressure mapping approach based on the triboelectric effect, which converts the mechanical stimuli into electrical output signals. The working mechanism of the triboelectric active sensor (TEAS) was theoretically studied by both analytical method and numerical calculation to gain an intuitive understanding of the relationship between the applied pressure and the responsive signals. Relying on the unique pressure response characteristics of the open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current, we realize both static and dynamic pressure sensing on a single device for the first time. A series of comprehensive investigations were carried out to characterize the performance of the TEAS, and high sensitivity (0.31 kPa(-1)), ultrafast response time (<5 ms), long-term stability (30,000 cycles), as well as low detection limit (2.1 Pa) were achieved. The pressure measurement range of the TEAS was adjustable, which means both gentle pressure detection and large-scale pressure sensing were enabled. Through integrating multiple TEAS units into a sensor array, the as-fabricated TEAS matrix was capable of monitoring and mapping the local pressure distribution applied on the device with distinguishable spatial profiles. This work presents a technique for tactile imaging and progress toward practical applications of nanogenerators, providing potential solutions for accomplishment of artificial skin, human-electronic interfacing, and self-powered systems.

Influence of MWCNTs on β-Phase PVDF and Triboelectric Properties

“…Simultaneously, mechanical compression between the two layers of polymers leads to a 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 12 1 1 1 12 12 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 reduction of the interplanar distance. According to the literature, we need to consider the relationship between the surface morphology and the triboelectric effect in order to enhance the triboelectric device performance because the surface triboelectric charges are the direct driving force for transport of induced electrons between electrodes in a triboelectric device [12][13][14]19]. Firstly, the change in the capacitance is largely improved during the mechanical deformation due to the presence of the air void (low dielectric constant, ∼1).…”

“…Generally, the -phase of the crystalline structure of PVDF can be enhanced by either mechanical deformation in the uniaxial or biaxial directions or application of a highly intense electric field to the PVDF film above its glass transition temperature [9][10][11]. As a new energy harvesting technology, contact-electrification based energy conversion devices, that is, triboelectric nanogenerators, have been developed in such a way that they can achieve high efficiency for producing large output power as well as easy fabrication [12][13][14]. In addition, triboelectric performance can be enhanced by regulating the surface morphology.…”

Recent Progress in Electronic Skin

“…84 An array consisting of discrete triboelectric sensor units was assembled to provide mapping of applied pressure using the output voltage contour plot from all units. This integration method is not suitable for the fabrication of large‐scale high‐resolution arrays with numerous pixels because each pixel is independent in this array.…”

Nanomaterial‐Enabled Wearable Sensors for Healthcare

“…[158] Copyright 2015, Royal Society of Chemistry. Besides the widely used resistive and capacitive mechanisms, progress has been made to develop wearable piezoelectric [22,58,59,159] and triboelectric [160][161][162] pressure sensors. Similar to piezoelectric strain sensors, the piezoelectric pressure sensors detect the applied pressure by measuring the accumulated electric charges.…”