Triple-enhanced triboelectric materials driven by carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes: Flame retardancy, triboelectricity, and mechanical property
writer：J. He, L. Yang, X. Ruan, Z. Liu, K. Liao, X. Xie, X. Shu, Y. Zhan, X. Pang, W. Yang, Q. Duan*
keywords：Flexible triboelectric materials, Self-powered sensor, High-temperature resistance, Fire resistance, Waterproof
source：期刊
specific source：Composites Part B
Issue time：2025年
It is significant to research on novel materials and devices for alarm and rescue because of catastrophic fire and rainstorm accidents. However, significant challenges remain in terms of dual extreme environments. Here, a carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotube (C-MWCNT)-driven triple-enhanced triboelectric material (poly(vinylidene fluoride)/C-MWCNT, P/CM5) was constructed by electrospinning, which had the characteristics of flame retardancy, high triboelectricity, and remarkable mechanical property. It possessed ultrafast self-extinguishing (<1 s) due to the inhibition of fluorine-containing radicals induced by PVDF combustion decomposition and the physical barrier effect of the condensed-phase char layer from C-MWCNT. Surprisingly, the tensile strength of P/CM5 was nearly 356.14% of that of the pure PVDF film. Meanwhile, it also had remarkable hydrophobicity (WCA=123°), which ensured proper functioning when wet with water. The open-circuit voltage of the P/CM5-based triboelectric nanogenerator (P/CM5-TENG) at room temperature was nearly 961.45% compared with that of the casting PVDF-TENG because the β-phase induced by C-MWCNT in PVDF was raised to 80.08%. Notably, it simultaneously excelled in triboelectricity at 200 °C, after burning for 30 s, and entire immersion in water. The P/CM5-based self-powered sensor could monitor human motion status or alarm under dual harsh conditions by a wireless Bluetooth system, which is expected to realize smart rescues in disastrous fire and rainy environments.