A double-helix-structured triboelectric nanogenerator enhanced with positive charge traps for self-powered temperature sensing and smart-home control systems.

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have been in spotlight for their excellent capability to drive miniature electronics. Herein, we report a sophisticated double-helix-structured triboelectric nanogenerator (DHS-TENG) enhanced with positive charge traps for self-powered temperature sensing and smart-home control system. The DHS-TENG increases the charge density on the contact surfaces by taking advantage of the ferroelectric characteristics of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). In addition, the flexible double-helix-structure endows DHS-TENG with excellent elastic property as it has no external supporting materials. The reported DHS-TENG, with the dimensions of 3 cm × 3 cm × 5 cm and a light weight of 10 g, can deliver a peak output power of 9.03 mW under a loading resistance of 4 MΩ. It also delivers an enhanced output performance of 460 V, 140 μA and 400 nC under a constant contact force of 40 N. Furthermore, the DHS-TENG is capable of powering 120 green LEDs and enabling a temperature sensor to work properly. In particular, the DHS-TENG demonstrates the capability of successful remote data transmission for application in smart-home control systems within 10 meters.