Multimodal Energy Generation and Intruder Sensing Platform via Aluminum Titanate/Poly-Glucosamine Composite Film-Based Hybrid Nanogenerators

Recently, a new class of portable self-powered electronic systems is developed that utilizes highly efficient hybrid nanogenerators that convert mechanical energy into electricity to power various sensors/small-scale electronics. This article proposes aluminum titanate (Al₂TiO₅) microparticles (AlT MPs) loaded poly-glucosamine (PGA) composite film-based high-performance hybrid nanogenerators (HNG) employed as a self-powered sensor for signal indication and as an intruder sensing platform. Initially, AlT MPs are synthesized and various concentrations are loaded into PGA. HNGs are fabricated using composite films/ polydimethylsiloxane, and Al as the positive/negative triboelectric layers and electrode film, respectively. The fabricated HNGs operate in the contact-separation mode and their produced electrical outputs are comparatively studied to determine the most suitable AlT concentration. The optimized HNG produces the highest electrical output of ≈211 V, ≈5.5 µA, and 79.5 µC/m². The optimized HNG is employed as a biomechanical energy harvester to scavenge energy from various biomechanical movements and power portable electronics utilizing the developed highly efficient power management circuit. Thereafter, multiple HNGs are utilized to fabricate a self-powered wireless sensing system and real-time intruder sensing platform. The proposed highly efficient HNG-based self-powered wireless sensing platform is a promising technology that can be used on a large scale in various applications.