Conductive elastomer-integrated triboelectric nanogenerator for self-powered motion sensing and injury warning

Wearable motion-sensing systems are increasingly used in health assessment and sports protection, creating a demand for deformable materials that can operate without external power supplies. Here, we construct a triboelectric device based on a poly(tetramethylene ether glycol)/4,4′-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate elastomer (PH elastomer), in which dynamic cross-linking and ionic transport pathways endow the material with high stretchability, reliable conductivity, and structural stability. These features enable the PH film to serve directly as the ionic electrode of a self-powered triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). Under periodic contact–separation operation, the PH-TENG delivers an open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 353.2 V, a short-circuit current (ISC) of 33.6 μA, and a maximum transferred charge (QSC) of 84.2 nC, corresponding to a maximum output power of 1.95 mW. Owing to the material’s mechanical responsiveness, the device generates distinct electrical signatures under variations in bending angle, applied pressure, and motion amplitude. These sensing responses make it possible to distinguish different types of human movements, such as walking, running, and various hand or finger actions, while also enabling the device to recognize deviations from normal motion that may signal emerging injuries. The results underscore the capability of the PH-TENG as a robust platform for self-powered motion monitoring and sports-related injury warning.