Textile-reinforced hybrid nanofiber composite ribbons for tuft-based triboelectric airflow sensing

Electrospun nanofiber membranes are highly active for flexible self-powered sensing, but they are often too fragile to survive continuous airflow. To overcome this, we developed a tuft-based triboelectric airflow sensor (TFTS) by reinforcing nanofibers with woven textiles. The device consists of hot-pressed PVDF-TrFE and nylon nanofiber ribbons integrated with a textile backing and flexible silver-paste electrodes. This hybrid structure retains the excellent triboelectric properties of the nanofibers while providing the mechanical toughness needed for repeated, wind-driven contact and separation. Tensile testing shows the composite is significantly stronger and more ductile than pristine membranes, and structural analysis confirms its chemical integrity is maintained. The resulting sensor produces a stable electrical output easily read by low-cost microcontrollers. A bio-inspired two-fin tail was also added to enhance its aerodynamic response. In controlled tests, the sensor distinguished wake-disturbed airflow conditions and obstacle distances through changes in signal amplitude and waveform. Furthermore, on-vehicle tests captured position-dependent airflow-related responses on a car door, showing qualitative consistency with conventional tuft visualization. Overall, this textile-nanofiber composite offers a durable and practical solution for self-powered airflow sensing on realistic curved surfaces.