Lever-inspired triboelectric nanogenerator with ultra-high output for pulse monitoring

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have great potential to alleviate the energy crisis. The contact separation mode of TENGs is one of the most fundamental and common modes of working. For improving the output signal of contact separation TENGs, previous researchers have adopted strategies such as surface microstructure treatment, multilayer design, and additive pump design. All of these strategies aim to increase the surface charge. Here, we propose a new strategy aimed at increasing the charge transfer speed, provide new paths for improving the output signal, and develop a lever-inspired contact separation TENG (Li-TENG). The contact separation speed can be varied by changing the lever ratio. As the magnification increases from 22 to 50 times, the voltage of Li-TENG increases from 91 V to 232 V. As self-powered pulse sensor, the Li-TENG measured a pulse signal of 12.3 V without surface microstructure treatment. This work shows great potential for improving the signal of contact-separation TENG-based self-powered sensors and energy harvesting devices.