October 1, 2022 | By Gerald Ondrey
Researchers from Chung-Ang University (Seoul, South Korea; https://neweng.cau.ac.kr) have developed a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) that is operable via breathing and can, therefore, be integrated into gas masks. The device is capable of powering LEDs and Bluetooth trackers, and can monitor breathing patterns and chemical warfare agents.
The device, described in a recent issue of Advanced Energy Materials, is an inhalation-driven vertical flutter TENG (IVF-TENG), which exhibits an amplified current output. Respiration acts as a continuous mechanical input and can be used to operate TENGs, which convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy. The IVF-TENG is composed of an aluminum inlet electrode, an aeroelastic dielectric sheet (polyimide) and an Al outlet electrode. The aeroelastic sheet has four segments with…