Biocompatible Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Self-Powered Microelectronics: Design, Performance, and Real-Time Applications

In the present study, we demonstrated a cost-effective chia seed-based triboelectric nanogenerator (C-TENG), leveraging the triboelectric properties of chia seeds. The C-TENGs are fabricated with a simple architecture, establishing adaptability, cost effectiveness, and versatility as an ecofriendly harvester of mechanical energy. The C-TENG exhibits open- circuit voltage and short-circuit currents on the order of 501.8 V and 24.5 μA, respectively. Load matching reveals the maximum power density output at a load resistance of 5 MΩ, reaching 290 mW/m². The cycle test over 3400 cycles confirms the C-TENG's stability. Furthermore, its capability to charge capacitors with different capacitances highlights its potential as a biomechanical energy harvester. The prototype device for evaluating the real-time applications demonstrated the C-TENG's, ability to illuminate LEDs, power a calculator, capture kinetic energy during walking, and transducer as an electronic switch. This investigation pioneered the exploration of chia seeds in TENGs, presenting a sustainable and efficient solution for self-powered microelectronic devices. The electron affinity of materials has been analyzed through inter- and intramolecular charge distribution using density functional theory. The direction of charge transfer was estimated through frontier molecular orbital analysis supported by the experimental findings of triboelectrification via contact separation from the molecule to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).