Publication date: 15th December 2025
Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) can harvest low-frequency mechanical energy from the human body—such as motion and physiological activity—to power self-sustained electronic devices. However, their use in this context is often limited by the lack of soft, biocompatible, and liquid-tolerant triboelectric materials. Here, we address this challenge by integrating graphene-based 2D materials into a poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) hydrogel, a soft polymer widely used in biomedical applications, to create tunable triboelectric interfaces tailored for body-related energy harvesting.
Graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) are incorporated into pHEMA via a water-based route, yielding robust, processable composite films. In contact–separation operation against reference dielectrics, low graphene loadings enhance surface roughness and effective contact area, leading to increased triboelectric output, whereas higher loadings increase internal resistance and promote charge trapping, reducing the signal. This response is systematically correlated with graphene phase and oxygen content, as well as controlled changes in surface morphology.
We further evaluate pHEMA/graphene composites under alternative triboelectric operating modes relevant for interaction with aqueous environments. Variations in graphene phase, surface morphology and electrode design are correlated with the electrical response, underscoring the role of interfacial engineering and operating conditions. Overall, this work establishes graphene-modified pHEMA hydrogels as a versatile integration platform for 2D materials, enabling controlled tailoring of triboelectric performance and opening pathways toward future self-powered, body-interfaced sensing and energy-harvesting devices.
Acknowledgements: Blood2Power(GA101115525)– EIC &, 2022.05030.PTDC & 2021.01807.CEECIND - FCT
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