Enhanced Kevlar-based triboelectric nanogenerator with anti-impact and sensing performance towards wireless alarm system

Abstract An enhanced Kevlar-based triboelectric nanogenerator (EK-TENG) with excellent safeguarding and stable sensing capability in harsh loading environments was developed by integrating shear thickening materials and graphene on Kevlar fabric. EK-TENG, whose maximum peak power density reached as high as 25.8 mW/m2 under oscillator loadings of 40 N and 10 Hz, could directly power commercial LEDs, capacitors and supercapacitors. In addition, the 30-layer EK-TENG with the greatest fiber friction dissipated drop hammer impact force from 1820 N to 439 N under low-speed impact. EK-TENG with anti-ballistic property enabled to resist 126.6 m/s bullet shooting which was higher than 90.1 m/s of neat Kevlar. Besides, EK-TENG effectively absorbed and dissipated 87.4% of the explosion wave energy under blast loading which exhibited excellent safeguarding properties. Furthermore, EK-TENG could generate voltage signals under various impact loadings which could act as self-powered sensor to monitor external stimuli. Finally, a smart TENG-based wireless passive sensor alarm system with high sensitivity was designed to monitor and warn impact dangers, which opened up a new avenue for the development of next generation intelligent protective clothing.