A Triboelectric Nanogenerator-Based Wide Range Self-Powered Flexible Pressure Sensor

Self-powered flexible pressure sensors are needed in applications such as human–machine interaction. Here, we present a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG)-based self-powered flexible pressure sensor capable of operating over a wide range of pressures (3.2–1176 kPa). The sensor exhibits excellent sensitivities in various regions of the pressure range, i.e., 3.16, 0.023, and 0.031 V/kPa in the low (1–10 kPa), medium-high (10–500 kPa) and ultrahigh (>500 kPa) pressure regimes respectively. Stable and repeatable TENG responses are achieved for all three pressure regimes, and this is due to the way the real contact area at the TENG interface varies with contact pressure. These results highlight the potential for TENGs in a wide range of applications such as: detecting pressure in wearable devices, human–machine interface, and biomedical and automotive applications. As a proof-of-concept, we have demonstrated the use of the presented device in applications such as the detection of human and robot finger tapping, collection of human gait information, and detection of impact forces.