Self-powered self-healing piezoelectric hydrogel nanogenerator-based electronic skin for real-time handwriting recognition and Morse code communication

Skin-conformal human–machine interfaces that operate reliably under mechanical deformation and harsh environments are essential for next-generation wearable electronics, defense systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) platforms. Here, a resilient and stretchable flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator (RS‑FPENG) is reported that seamlessly integrates self-powered sensing and energy harvesting within a dual-hydrogel architecture. The device combines a highly conductive, self-healing ElectraGel electrode with a bio-derived BioWeave‑LS@BaTiO 3 piezoelectric core featuring a dynamically reversible multibond network, enabling exceptional mechanical compliance, environmental tolerance, and interfacial stability. The RS‑FPENG delivers a peak output voltage of ~1.15 V, representing a ~ 4.6-fold improvement over conventional PDMS-based FPENGs, with a maximum power density of 8.48 µW m⁻ 2 , fast response (~120 ms), high linearity (R 2 = 0.9738), and a sensitivity of 4.15 × 10⁻ 3 V g⁻ 1 across an ultrawide force range (0.01–883 N). Stable electromechanical performance is retained under broad humidity, temperature, and chemical conditions. Beyond energy harvesting, the RS‑FPENG enables self-powered detection of complex biomechanical motions and supports multilingual handwriting recognition and Morse code communication with real-time decoding. This work establishes a robust materials platform for environmentally resilient, battery-free wearable interfaces and intelligent assistive IoT systems.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials
Published
2026-07-21
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s42114-026-01981-7
Primary Topic
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

Funders

Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
article

Self-powered self-healing piezoelectric hydrogel nanogenerator-based electronic skin for real-time handwriting recognition and Morse code communication

Palraj Ranganathan, Byungki Kim, Ragu Sasikumar, Bhuvanenthiran Mutharani et al.
Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
article

Self-powered self-healing piezoelectric hydrogel nanogenerator-based electronic skin for real-time handwriting recognition and Morse code communication

Palraj Ranganathan, Byungki Kim, Ragu Sasikumar, Bhuvanenthiran Mutharani, Fang‐Chyou Chiu
article en

Abstract

Skin-conformal human–machine interfaces that operate reliably under mechanical deformation and harsh environments are essential for next-generation wearable electronics, defense systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) platforms. Here, a resilient and stretchable flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator (RS‑FPENG) is reported that seamlessly integrates self-powered sensing and energy harvesting within a dual-hydrogel architecture. The device combines a highly conductive, self-healing ElectraGel electrode with a bio-derived BioWeave‑LS@BaTiO 3 piezoelectric core featuring a dynamically reversible multibond network, enabling exceptional mechanical compliance, environmental tolerance, and interfacial stability. The RS‑FPENG delivers a peak output voltage of ~1.15 V, representing a ~ 4.6-fold improvement over conventional PDMS-based FPENGs, with a maximum power density of 8.48 µW m⁻ 2 , fast response (~120 ms), high linearity (R 2 = 0.9738), and a sensitivity of 4.15 × 10⁻ 3 V g⁻ 1 across an ultrawide force range (0.01–883 N). Stable electromechanical performance is retained under broad humidity, temperature, and chemical conditions. Beyond energy harvesting, the RS‑FPENG enables self-powered detection of complex biomechanical motions and supports multilingual handwriting recognition and Morse code communication with real-time decoding. This work establishes a robust materials platform for environmentally resilient, battery-free wearable interfaces and intelligent assistive IoT systems.

Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials
Chang Gung University (TW), Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (TW), Korea University of Technology and Education (KR), Saveetha University (IN)
National Science and Technology Council, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, National Research Foundation of Korea
Openalex Percentile: Top 16%
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.