A triboelectric nanogenerator based on cosmetic fixing powder for mechanical energy harvesting

In this work, we use commercial powder particulates (a cosmetic fixing powder) as triboelectric materials for constructing a triboelectric nanogenerator (CFP-TENG). Through finger pressing, the CFP-TENG generated approximate open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, and maximum power density values of 1141 V, 521 µA, and 570.96 μW/cm2, respectively. Thirty-seven commercial blue LEDs can be easily lit up by the CFP-TENG. Moreover, this TENG, which was designed as a novel palette structure for harvesting mechanical energy from bicycle motion, serves as a self-powered bicycle speed sensor. In addition, the cosmetic fixing powder can be used as an effective material to enhance the triboelectric property of skin. This study provides an effective method for developing a cost-effective TENG without the use of complex surface micro-/nano-texturing.