Innovative Self-Powered 3D-Printed Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Multimodal Force Sensing

In this study, we present the development and characterization of a self-powered, flexible, and multi-material 3D-printed Triboelectric Nanogenerator-Unit Cell Force (TENG-UCF) sensor designed for multimodal force sensing and energy harvesting. Traditional force sensors, limited by their reliance on single-modal electrical readouts and continuous external power sources, are insufficient for comprehensive sensory applications. Our TENG-UCF sensor overcomes these limitations by leveraging the unique properties of MXene/P ANI composites and SEBS tribo layers, enabling simultaneous force sensing and energy generation. This innovative sensor generates electricity through triboelectric charges produced during contact and separation cycles, with output voltage and capacitance directly correlating with applied force. The TENG-UCF achieves high sensitivity and stability, with a maximum output voltage of 700V and a power density of 816.6 mW/m<sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sup> under optimal conditions. Extensive testing demonstrated the sensor's mechanical stability, and long-term operational viability without significant degradation. Our TENG-UCF sensor represents a significant advancement in sustainable, renewable, and multimodal force sensing technologies, with broad implications for the development of self-powered sensor systems.