Flexible Wood-Based Self-Powered Sensor Arrays for Gas Pipeline Leakage Detection and Localization

The rapid expansion of energy gas pipelines, driven by societal progress, highlights the critical need for their continuous and safe operation. However, corrosion, aging, natural disasters, and third-party damage pose significant risks, with undetected leaks potentially leading to catastrophic outcomes. Current gas pipeline leakage detection methods typically rely on active monitoring systems that are expensive and dependent on external power sources. In the work, a flexible wood-based self-powered sensor array (WSFSA) is introduced for all-weather, large-scale monitoring of energy gas pipelines. The WSFSA, organized in a 3 × 3 sensor layout, generates a responsive voltage signal under gas pressure with millisecond-scale response times. At a low pressure of 0.7 MPa, it outputs a practical voltage signal of at least 15 V, distinguishing it from manual triboelectric outputs. Additionally, the WSFSA maintains this output under prolonged intermittent pressure. The array exhibits exceptional sustainability, corrosion resistance, humidity tolerance, and stability across a wide temperature range. This work presents a cost-effective and efficient solution for real-time pipeline monitoring, significantly enhancing leak detection reliability and responsiveness. The WSFSA offers a robust safeguard for global energy infrastructure, supporting the safe and sustainable delivery of energy gases.