“Running Toward a Greener Future”: Lysine‐Enhanced Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Efficient Foot‐Motion Energy Harvesting
Yijun Hao, Jiayu Su, Xiaopeng Zhu, Keke Hong, Xiangqian Lu, Zhao Guo, Yong Qin, Wei Su, Dong Yang, Hongke Zhang, Chuguo Zhang, Xiuhan Li
Abstract
Abstract Foot‐motion energy harvesting has emerged as a promising solution for powering wearable electronics, given the high frequency and amplitude of foot pressure during daily locomotion. Amino acids have shown great promise in enhancing triboelectric performance due to their unique molecular structure and environmental compatibility. Here, a high‐performance footstep‐driven energy harvesting system is reported by incorporating lysine into nylon‐based polymer network through electrospinning process. A peak power density of 10.67 W m −2 is achieved, which is over 26‐time higher than that of commercial nylon films. A stacked five‐layer triboelectric nanogenerator (SF‐TENG) is fabricated and strategically placed under the heel and forefoot regions to harvest energy from foot motion. The output exhibits a linear relationship with stepping frequency, and the device maintains a minimal phase difference between signals from the front and rear contact regions, enabling synchronized power generation. To demonstrate practical application, SF‐TENG is integrated with management circuit and successfully powers three parallel‐connected hygro‐thermographs. This system highlights the potential of amino acid‐enhanced tribo‐materials for efficient biomechanical energy harvesting and self‐powered sensing. This work not only introduces a sustainable and scalable pathway for enhancing triboelectric materials, but also establishes an efficient, durable, and application‐ready solution for wearable electronics, particularly in foot‐pressure‐driven scenarios.