Self-powered intelligent emergency alarm system based on a CNT/cellulose aerogel TENG for firefighter thermal protection

Abstract

High-temperature protective equipment is essential for ensuring the safety of firefighters during rescue operations; however, most existing protective systems primarily provide passive thermal shielding and lack real-time, self-sustained sensing and communication capabilities. Here, we report a self-powered intelligent fire-alarm system enabled by a carboxylated cellulose/hydroxylated carbon nanotube composite aerogel triboelectric nanogenerator (CCHA-TENG). The CCHA aerogel exhibits an interconnected three-dimensional porous architecture with excellent thermal insulation, achieving an ultralow radial thermal conductivity of 7.7 mW m⁻¹ K⁻¹. Under mechanical excitation at 3 Hz, the CCHA-TENG delivers an open-circuit voltage of 210 V, a short-circuit current of 30 µA, a transferred charge of 80 nC, and a peak power density of 14.94 W m⁻². When incorporated as a lightweight functional insert within the interlayer of protective clothing, the device converts simple tapping actions into distinct Morse-code signals, enabling wireless transmission of emergency signaling information over distances of ∼10 m when coupled with a Bluetooth module. Owing to its self-powered operation, thermal stability, and intelligent signal-generation capability, this system provides a promising strategy for next-generation thermal-protective systems and self-powered safety-monitoring technologies.