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Triboelectric-based energy harvesting face mask using recyclable materials

Authors:
Brady Miller
Samantha Barker
Reza Rashidi

Keywords: triboelectric nanogenerator; TENG; paper; PTFE; recyclable materials; face mask; thermistor

Abstract:
This paper presents the development of a face mask that includes a triboelectric nanogenerator utilizing movements due to pressure changes when speaking to power an embedded temperature sensor. The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) produces electricity using common materials including printer papers, ball-point pen inks, and sheets of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The pen ink is painted onto the paper containing arrays of 2 cm long slots that are 200 μm in width. The paper with holes is placed on the top of a PTFE layer followed by another layer of ink-covered paper without holes. This layer-on-layer device is inserted into the front of the face mask. When the wearer speaks, the acoustic energy travels through the slots and vibrates the PTFE and inked-paper layers. Electrons are transferred from the ink to the plastic through these forms of movement. The electricity generation is due to the transfer of electrons between the negative and positive mediums, which electrically charges each side of the TENG. The electricity generated is transported to a thermistor located near the chin and ear and embedded in the mask band to sense the temperature of the wearer’s skin. Testing was conducted using a Bluetooth speaker to create soundwaves that initiated the triboelectric effect. The song that was used to test was “Back in Black” by the band AC/DC. The mask generated a peak-to-peak voltage of 1.72 V and 2.48 V at 70 dB and 80 dB, respectively.

Pages: 105 to 110

Copyright: Copyright (c) IARIA, 2021

Publication date: November 14, 2021

Published in: conference

ISSN: 2308-3514

ISBN: 978-1-61208-918-8

Location: Athens, Greece

Dates: from November 14, 2021 to November 18, 2021