A Novel Sustainable and Cost-Effective Triboelectric Nanogenerator Connected to the Internet of Things for Communication with Deaf–Mute People

Low-cost and sustainable technological systems are required to improve communication between deaf–mute and non-deaf–mute people. Herein, we report a novel low-cost and eco-friendly triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) composed of recycled and waste components. This TENG can be connected to a smartphone using the internet of things (IoT), which allows the transmission of information from deaf–mute to non-deaf–mute people. The proposed TENG can harness kinetic energy to convert it into electrical energy with advantages such as a compact portable design, a light weight, cost-effective fabrication, good voltage stability, and easy signal processing. In addition, this nanogenerator uses recycled and waste materials composed of radish leaf, polyimide tape, and a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sheet. This TENG reaches an output power density of 340.3 µWm−2 using a load resistance of 20.5 MΩ at 23 Hz, respectively. This nanogenerator achieves a stable performance even after 41,400 working cycles. Also, this device can power a digital calculator and chronometer, as well as light 116 ultra-bright blue commercial LEDs. This TENG can convert the movements of the fingers of a deaf–mute person into electrical signals that are transmitted as text messages to a smartphone. Thus, the proposed TENG can be used as a low-cost wireless communication device for deaf–mute people, contributing to an inclusive society.