Self-Driven Miniature Sensing Technology Based on Cellulose-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators in a Wearable Human Health Status Monitoring System

Abstract

The progression of wearable technology has revealed that cellulose-based triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) possess considerable promise in self-powered micro-sensing technology; this is attributed to their superior biocompatibility, sustainability, and mechanical characteristics. This paper aims to explore the application of the cellulose-based TENG self-powered micro-sensing technology in wearable systems for human health monitoring. First, the working principles and modes of TENG are summarized, along with the characteristics of the cellulose, nanocellulose, cellulose derivatives and the advantages of the cellulose-based TENG. Next, we discuss in detail the applications of the cellulose-based TENG in monitoring physiological parameters, such as heart rate, motion, respiration, and pulse, and we analyze their advantages and challenges in practical applications. Additionally, we explore the integration of the cellulose-based TENG human–machine interaction sensors in health monitoring devices. Finally, we outline the current challenges and future research directions in this field, including the enhancement of triboelectric performance, adaptability to diverse environments, controllable degradability, and multi-scenario real-world applications. This review provides a comprehensive perspective on the application of the cellulose-based TENG self-powered micro-sensing technology in wearable health monitoring systems and offers guidance for future research and development.