Multi-crosslinked network enables robust cellulose/chitosan composite aerogel for triboelectric sensor with humidity adaptivity

Cellulose-based triboelectric materials present eco-friendly advantages but suffer from restricted electron transfer and humidity-induced charge loss due to inherent hydrogen-bond networks. Herein, a multi-network composite aerogel was fabricated using multi-scale entangled cellulose and regenerated chitosan fibers as a framework. Molecular-level chemical crosslinking, ionic complexation, and hydrogen bonding were integrated with freeze-induced structuring, solvent exchange, rapid desolvation, and ambient drying. The multi-crosslinked network delivers exceptional mechanical robustness (0.37 MPa stress at 50% strain), resilience, and moisture stability (intact structure after 40-day immersion). The aerogel-based triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) demonstrated high triboelectric outputs (205.8 V, 581.16 mW/m 2 ), fatigue resistance (5000 cycles), humidity responsiveness (70–90% RH), broad humidity adaptability (40–90% RH), wet-environment durability (6800 cycles at 80% RH), and reversible humidity cycling, alongside stable acoustic/electrical signal recognition. The aerogel exhibited recyclability and biodegradability. This work establishes a green manufacturing paradigm for biomass aerogels, bridging sustainable materials engineering with self-powered environmental sensing technologies.