Wearable Triboelectric Nanogenerators Based on Printed Polyvinylidene Fluoride Films Incorporated with Cobalt-Based Metal-Organic Framework for Self-Powered Mobile Electronics

In this study, wearable triboelectric nanogenerators comprising bar-printed polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) films incorporated with cobalt-based metal-organic framework (Co-MOF) were developed. The enhanced output performance of the TENGs was attributed to the phase transition of PVDF from alpha-crystals to beta-crystals, as facilitated by the incorporation of the MOF. The synthesis conditions, including metal ion, concentration, and particle size of the MOF, were optimized to increase open-circuit voltage (VOC) and open-circuit current (I-SC) of PVDF-based TENGs. In addition to high operational stability, mechanical robustness, and long-term reliability, the developed TENG consisting of PVDF incorporated with Co-MOF (Co-MOF@PVDF) achieved a V-OC of 194 V and an I-SC of 18.8 mu A. Furthermore, the feasibility of self-powered mobile electronics was demonstrated by integrating the developed wearable TENG with rectifier and control units to power a global positioning system (GPS) device. The local position of the user in real-time through GPS was displayed on a mobile interface, powered by the battery charged through friction-induced electricity generation.