Self-powered fire alarm system based on Ti3C2Tx MXene/PVP/Piezoelectric fibers multilayers embedded with additively manufactured TPMS spacers with tunable stiffness

• The new concept of integrating a self-powered system with a fire alarm. • The MXene/PVP paper and PENG combination self-powered fire sensor can be triggered in 3 s under combustion. • Cyclic fire detection sensor device. • The Triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structure spacers are effectively preventing the self-powered system from immediate flame attacks. • TPMS structures feature high symmetry and periodicity, with controllable surface thickness, to achieve tunable stiffness. This study proposes an innovative concept of using Near-Field Electrospinning (NFES) technology to create an MXene/ polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) paper and piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG) combination self-powered fire sensor (MPSFS). This technology combines polyvinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene (PVDF-TrFE) nanofibers with flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs), encapsulating them in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to form a PENG system. This system is then integrated with Ti3C2Tx MXene/PVP, and TPMS structure spacers are added to enhance the output efficiency of the nanogenerator, creating a fire alarm sensor. The MXene-based film, owing to covalent bonds between PVP molecules and MXene sheets, exhibits high flame retardancy, making it suitable for sensitive and reusable fire alarms. Through thermal oxidation treatment, the MXene film transforms into a fish-scale-like C/N mixed titanium dioxide network, enabling it to quickly excite electrons under continuous flame exposure, achieving ultra-fast fire alarm response (about 3.0 s) and cyclic fire alarm function. The MXene/PVP films provide excellent flame retardancy and reusability in fire response, while the introduction of triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures not only enhances the mechanical strength of the system but also improves the charging efficiency of the nanogenerator due to their inherent stiffness. This innovative system significantly reduces fire risk and demonstrates great potential and application prospects in advancing fire safety technology.