Triple network hydrogel-based structure triboelectric nanogenerator for human motion detection and structural health monitoring

In this study, we developed a high-performance triple network (TN) PVA/PAAM/PEDOT/Zn2+ (PMPZ) hydrogel with exceptional mechanical properties and stable output performance. The robust and highly tough TN structure, fabricated via a Zn2+ pinned hydrogel and multi-network interpenetrating polymerization process, demonstrates high mechanical strength alongside exceptional mechanical properties. The PMPZ hydrogels exhibit notable mechanical sensing capabilities (gauge factor: 48.6) while maintaining excellent tensile (83.79 KPa) and compressive (96 MPa) strengths. As a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), the PMPZ-TENG shows outstanding flexibility and integrability, achieving a maximum open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 326.89 V and a peak power density of 368.3 mu W/cm2 with a load resistance of 10E8 Omega. Furthermore, the PMPZ-TENG demonstrates enduring practicality and responsiveness as a self-powered sensor. These properties make the PMPZ-TENG highly suitable for applications in human health monitoring. Additionally, we conducted computational simulations on the hydrogel and seismic-resistant civil models. 48 prototype structures simulated different seismic hazard levels to effectively capture plastic hinge deformation within high-strength steel composite K-shaped eccentric braced steel frames. The plastic hinge deformations informed the establishment of physical seismic models for structural health monitoring (SHM). This study not only introduces a high-performance PMPZ-TENG meeting practical requirements but also establishes a novel pathway for integrating TENGs in SHM.