Work

Boosted output of flexible PANI@BTO/PVDF–TrFE piezoelectric nanogenerators for self-powered multifunctional sensing in wearable systems

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The integration of human–machine interaction (HMI) technologies into patient rehabilitation is attracting growing attention, with portable, inexpensive, skin-conformal, and wearable low-power electronic devices being the preferred choice for such applications. Piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs), are particularly promising owing to their flexibility, self-powered ability and compatibility with wearable systems, holding significant potential for the next generation of flexible electronics. A flexible PVDF-TrFE composite film reinforced with in situ synthesized PANI@BTO was developed via interfacial engineering. The optimized composite exhibited an outstanding remanent polarization of 12.4 μ C cm −2 and a superior piezoelectric coefficient of 74.3 pm V −1 , together with stable performance over 7000 mechanical loading cycles. The corresponding device generated an output voltage of 12.2 V and a current of 1 . 9 μ A under an applied pressure of 111.1 kPa, underscoring its highly efficient energy conversion capability. The developed noninvasive, high-sensitivity sensor was successfully applied to monitor biomechanical activities such as joint motion and pulse. Furthermore, an advanced virtual reality (VR) based-motion interactive serious game platform was successfully developed, integrating the advanced sensor with wireless communication and signal processing modules for assisted knee rehabilitation. This work highlights the broad potential of flexible piezoelectric nanogenerators in next generation self-powered sensing healthcare monitoring and human-machine interactive systems.

Source: Chemical Engineering Journal

DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2026.175420

Authors: Kejun Shi, Yilin Zhang, Sepide Taleb, Hayden Phillips-Brene, Elisabeth Wilhelm, Mónica Acuautla

Institution: University of Groningen

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Good health and well-being, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,830