Self-powered emergency response gas-mask-system via multi-dielectric flutter with negligible inhalation resistance

[Display omitted] •Gas-mask-integrated multi-dielectric flutter triboelectric generator (MF-TEG) was developed.•MF-TEG was systemically investigated in terms of various design variables.•Self-powered chemical warfare agent sensing mechanism of MF-TEG was established.•Self-powered emergency response gas-mask system (S-ERG) was ultimately realized. In hazardous environments, gas-mask wearers encounter various emergencies, and responding to such emergencies is crucial for safety and survival. In sudden or long-term emergencies, a self-powered gas-mask system must be established for continuous power supply to emergency-related electronics or for reliable self-powered sensing. However, a comprehensive analysis and the demonstration of a gas-mask integration design that considers breathing resistance, electrical output, and practical applications remain challenging. In this study, a gas-mask-canister-embedded inhalation-driven multi-dielectric flutter triboelectric generator (MF-TEG) was proposed to realize a self-powered emergency response gas-mask system (S-ERG). The MF-TEG was mechanically and electrically analyzed and optimized for various design variables. The canister with the MF-TEG generated stable electrical output (62 V, 500 Hz) during every inhalation, and the inhalation resistance was 7 % lower than permissible level, although the canister was compact. In the charging mode, the S-ERG demonstrated personal environmental monitoring and wireless location-tracking. A self-powered chemical warfare agent (CWA) sensing mechanism was established and analyzed for various variables. The S-ERG in the sensing mode, equipped with a signal-processing unit, could be used as a real-time personal CWA alert system. This study contributes to improving the practicality of TEGs as a promising energy technology.