Two-Dimensional MOF Modulated Fiber Nanogenerator for Effective Acoustoelectric Conversion and Human Motion Detection.

The real-time application of piezoelectric nanogenerators (PNGs) under a harsh environment remains a challenge due to lower output performance and poor durability. Thus, the development of flexible, sensitive, and stable PNGs became a topic of interest to capture different human motions including gesture monitoring to speech recognition. Herein, a scalable approach is adapted where naphthylamine bridging a [Cd(II)-µ-I4] two-dimensional (2D) metal-organic framework (MOF)-reinforced poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) composite nanofibers mat is prepared to fabricate a flexible and sensitive composite piezoelectric nanogenerator (C-PNG). The needle-shaped MOF was successfully synthesized by the layering and diffusion of two different solutions. The incorporation of single-crystalline 2D MOF ensures a large content of electroactive phases (98%) with a resultant high-magnitude piezoelectric coefficient of 41 pC/N in a composite nanofibers mat due to the interfacial specific interaction with -CH2-/-CF2- dipoles of PVDF. As an outcome, C-PNG generates high electrical output (open-circuit voltage of 22 V and maximum power density of 24 µW/cm2) with a very fast response time (tr ≈ 5 ms) under periodic pressure imparting stimuli. Benefiting from bending and twisting functionality, C-PNG is capable of scavenging biomechanical energy by mimicking complex musculoskeletal motions that broaden its application in wearable electronics and fabric integrated medical devices. In addition, C-PNG also demonstrates an efficient acoustic vibration to electric energy conversion capability with an improved power density and acoustic sensitivity of 6.25 µW and 0.95 V/Pa, respectively. The overall energy conversion efficiency is sufficient to operate several consumer electronics without any energy storage unit. This acoustic observation is further validated by the finite element method-based theoretical simulation. Overall, the 2D MOF-based device design strategy opens up a new possibility to develop a human-motion compatible energy generator and a self-powered acoustic sensor to power up electronic gadgets as well as low-frequency noise detection.

Three-Dimensional MOF-Assisted Self-Polarized Ferroelectret: An Effective Autopowered Remote Healthcare Monitoring Approach.

In recent years, flexible and sensitive pressure sensors are of extensive interest in healthcare monitoring, artificial intelligence, and national security. In this context, we report the synthetic procedure of a three-dimensional (3D) metal-organic framework (MOF) comprising cadmium (Cd) metals as nodes and isoniazid (INH) moieties as organic linkers (CdI2-INH═CMe2) for designing self-polarized ferroelectret-based highly mechano-sensitive skin sensors. The as-synthesized MOF preferentially nucleates the stable piezoelectric ß-phase in poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and also gives rise to a porous ferroelectret composite film. Benefiting from the porous structure of 3D MOFs, composite ferroelectret film-based ultrasensitive pressure sensor (mechano-sensitivity of 8.52 V/kPa within 1 kPa pressure range) as well as high-throughput ( power density of 32 µW/cm2) mechanical energy harvester (MEH) has been designed. Simulation-based finite element method (FEM) analysis indicates that the geometrical stress confinement effect within the interpore region of the ferroelectret structure synergistically influences the mechano-electrical property of the MEH. In addition, 143 pC/N (∼4.5 times higher than commercial piezoelectric PVDF films) piezoelectric charge coefficient (d33) magnitude and superior response time (tr ∼ 8 ms) of this composite ferroelectret film enable the detection of different physiological signals such as coughing, pronunciation, and gulping behavior, making it a promising candidate for early intervention of healthcare, which may play a significant role in accurate alert of influenza and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-related symptoms. In addition, MEH enables the tracking of the subtle pressure change in the wrist pulse, indicating its usefulness in effective mechano-sensitivity. Since the cardiovascular signal is one of the vital parameters that can determine the on-going physiological conditions, the wireless transmission of the detected wrist pulse signal has been demonstrated. All of these features coupled with wireless data transmission indicate the promising application of MOF-assisted composite ferroelectret films in noninvasive real-time remote healthcare monitoring.

Methylammonium Lead Iodide Incorporated Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Nanofibers for Flexible Piezoelectric-Pyroelectric Nanogenerator.

This work introduces a piezoelectric-pyroelectric nanogenerator (P-PNG) based on methylammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3) incorporated electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanofibers that are able to harvest mechanical and thermal energies. During the application of a periodic compressive contact force at a frequency of 4 Hz, an output voltage of ∼220 mV is generated. The P-PNG has a piezoelectric coefficient (d33) of ∼19.7 pC/N coupled with a high durability (60 000 cycles) and quick response time (∼1 ms). The maximum generated output power density (∼0.8 mW/m2) is sufficient to charge up a variety of capacitors, with the potential to replace an external power supply to drive portable devices. In addition, upon exposure to cyclic heating and cooling at a temperature of 38 K, a pyroelectric output current of 18.2 pA and a voltage of 41.78 mV were achieved. The fast response time of 1.14 s, reset time of 1.25 s, and pyroelectric coefficient of ∼44 pC/m2 K demonstrate a self-powered temperature sensing capability of the P-PNG. These characteristics make the P-PNG suitable for flexible piezoelectric-pyroelectric energy harvesting for self-powered electronic devices.