Mask-valve-integrated triboelectric nanogenerator for enhanced current generation via exhalation

초록

Respiration is a continuous biomechanical energy source for wearable devices, but its low airflow velocity and pressure limit its direct use in powering practical electronics. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are attractive for respiration-based energy harvesting because of their compactness and effective operation under weak airflow, although conventional systems remain constrained by additional mask attachments and moisture sensitivity. In this work, a mask-valve-integrated TENG (M-TENG) is introduced to address these challenges. Fully integrated inside the mask valve, the M-TENG generates a peak short-circuit current of 170 mA with an output frequency of approximately 60 Hz within a compact volume of 3.87 cm3 based on charge separation and direct electron flow. The device maintains stable output under moist exhalation conditions and retains its original performance for up to 1 000 000 rotations. Owing to its mechanically and electrically optimized blade-rotation design, the M-TENG operates even at a low exhalation speed of 4 m s-1 while maximizing output in a small device volume. In addition, it can continuously drive 20 LEDs, highlighting its potential as a sustainable power source for safety lights and wearable monitoring devices in mask-required environments.

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