Waste based triboelectric nanogenerator for energy harvesting and self-powered sensors

The demand for efficient recycling of substantial volumes of bathroom waste materials has increased due to growing concerns about landfills and waste generation. Proper treatment of bathroom waste materials ensures hygiene, protects public health, and prevents environmental pollution, thereby safeguarding ecosystems and reducing the risk of illness in communities. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) offer a promising approach to converting waste into a valuable resource as they can utilize a variety of materials for energy harvesting and sensing. In this study, three common bathroom waste materials were collected and used as a positive triboelectric layer to design an effective energy harvester. The bathroom waste materials/FEP-based TENGs delivered the highest output (19 V and 8 μA), demonstrating the practical use of waste for energy devices. The TENGs operated in single-electrode mode, generating a power output of 34.5 μW at a resistance of 500 MΩ. The TENG was used to detect impacts by dropping various lightweight objects from a fixed height of 30 cm. The device can capture energy from subtle movements such as finger taps and punching motions. Furthermore, the device was employed to develop self-powered smart sensors that enhance library functionalities. TENGs produce signals that provide librarians with valuable information, such as which bookshelves are occupied or empty, thereby facilitating better management of library resources. This research advances energy harvesting techniques for designing self-powered sensors in smart applications.