Sustainable Triboelectric Nanogenerator from Bubble Wrap and Stainless Steel for Noninvasive Lung Health and Motion Monitoring

Breath monitoring serves as a crucial method for the early detection of chronic illnesses, highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which demonstrates the necessity for accessible preventive healthcare technologies. This study presents a self-powered green triboelectric nanogenerator (G-TENG) system specifically designed for breath analysis that converts exhaled air into electrical signals. Addressing the dual challenges of sustainable energy solutions and waste management, the G-TENG utilizes commonly available discarded materials. The system incorporates a stainless-steel scrubber as the positively charged triboelectric layer and electrode, while discarded polyethylene bubble wrap serves as the negatively charged layer with copper functioning as the counter electrode. Characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), confirm the properties of the employed waste materials such as the stainless steel scrubber and polyethylene bubble wrap. The device demonstrates an open-circuit voltage of approximately 40 V and an average short-circuit current of 0.467 μA under hand tapping for a device size of 7 cm × 7 cm. This research illustrates the innovative potential of recycling waste for breath monitoring and human motion applications. The G-TENG effectively measures exhaled air volume and monitors exhalation duration while exhibiting capabilities for tracking human motion such as footfalls and elbow movements. This work represents a significant advancement toward sustainable and preventive healthcare solutions.