A flexible ultra-robust ZnO-AgNWs/PDMS-based hybrid nanogenerator for simultaneous energy harvesting and sensing applications

Developing high-power output, flexible, and wearable electronics is a significant challenge to materials science. We address this issue by creating a hybrid piezo-triboelectric nanogenerator (PTNG) based on a unique combination of porous ZnO, silver nanowires (AgNWs), and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Our PTNG utilizes porous ZnO, which exhibits a significantly higher piezoelectric coefficient than its non-porous counterpart due to its increased surface area and enhanced atomic polarization. This unique combination of porous ZnO, AgNWs, and PDMS creates a synergistic effect, enhancing both piezoelectric and triboelectric outputs beyond what each material could achieve alone. For instance, our device generates an open-circuit voltage of 146 V and a short-circuit current of 1.1 µA under a pressure of 12.5 kPa and can track human motion while generating 60 V during regular walking. Deformation tests show excellent performance with prolonged use for up to two months. This robust, flexible, and highly sensitive PTNG opens opportunities for next-generation self-powered wearable sensors and energy harvesting applications in healthcare, fitness, and other emerging technologies, particularly those already using PDMS as a base material.