High output flexible triboelectric nanogenerator for biomechanical energy harvesting and wearable body joints monitoring

Wearable self-powered sensors show great potential for continuous motion monitoring and next-generation intelligent systems. In this work, a silicone paper-based triboelectric nanogenerator (SP-TENG) was developed to efficiently harvest biomechanical energy from human motion while enabling real-time sensing for gait and posture analysis. The device achieved a peak open-circuit voltage of ∼350.8 V, a short-circuit current of ∼46.3 μA, and a transferred charge of ∼71.9 nC, demonstrating excellent energy conversion efficiency. A maximum instantaneous power of 1.3 mW was obtained under matched load conditions. Compared to conventional paper-based TENGs, the SP-TENG exhibited significantly enhanced output due to the superior triboelectric properties of silicone paper. Its water-resistant structure ensures durability in humid environments, supporting reliable performance in practical applications. The stacked design enables the device to power low-power electronics and LED arrays. With its flexible and lightweight structure, the SP-TENG effectively detects joint bending angles, lower-limb movements, and postural changes. These features make it a promising candidate for integration into wearable electronics for mobility assessment, motion recognition, and adaptive human–machine interfacing, with potential relevance in activity tracking, rehabilitation, and health-related monitoring. • A silicone paper-based triboelectric nanogenerator (SP-TENG) was designed for biomechanical energy harvesting and motion sensing. • The device delivered high output performance (∼350.8 V, ∼46.3 μA, 71.9 nC) with a peak power of 1.3 mW. • Superior triboelectric properties and water-resistant design ensured enhanced efficiency and durability over conventional paper-based TENGs. • The lightweight, flexible structure enabled real-time detection of gait, posture, and joint motions for wearable electronics and health monitoring.