High-Performance PVDF / Borophene Based TENG for Energy Harvesting and Self-Sustaining Health Monitoring in Manual Treadmill Systems

Abstract

The increasing energy needs have intensified the global pursuit of alternative, sustainable energy solutions. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG), which convert ambient energy into electrical energy, are a prospective technology that stands in par with the solar and wind energy harvesters. Borophene, one among the latest candidates of the flatland and renowned 2D material for its higher charge carrier mobility and anisotropic electron arrangement, is being explored as a triboelectric performance-enhancing filler in the electrospun PVDF fibermat. The prepared PVDF-borophene composites of 1x1 cm2 dimension exhibit a significant TENG output of 83 V, 11.5 μA, and 27 nC and a highest power density of 9.8 W/m2 when excited with a 10 Hz and 10 N mechanical stimulus. Leveraging this performance, a self-sustaining fitness system is developed by embedding the TENG into a manual treadmill to operate in a dual role of energy harvester and biomechanical sensor. This TENG configuration utilizes energy-fitness monitoring and its accentuated employment in the broader smart healthcare applications beyond wearable devices.