Innovative triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) design utilizing a stress ball for energy harvesting, wellness, and safety applications

Abstract

The present manuscript introduces a cost-effective and simple method for creating a Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) that utilizes a stress ball as a base and FEP, Aluminum as triboelectric pairs. The TENG design demonstrates an innovative approach that can be used for energy harvesting, stress relief, and human safety simultaneously. The unique aspect of this TENG design is using a Polyurethane foam-based ball (Stress-Ball) with excellent elasticity as a spacer, eliminating the need for additional spacers. The TENG prototype produced a power density of 625 mW m−2 and 1.75 W m−2 in squeezing and tapping mode, respectively. Furthermore, four TENG devices integrated in the prototype tiles enable electrical energy generation to power 720 LEDs with every casual footstep. The TENG converts biomechanical energy produced from hand-squeezing exercises into electrical energy that can power small, wearable, and portable electronic devices such as calculators, thermometers, and watches. Wearable LEDs powered by squeezing the ball while walking on dark roads provided safety applications. Overall, the presented TENG design showcases an efficient and affordable way of generating electrical energy while also promoting human wellness and safety.