Self-driven sensing of acetylene powered by a triboelectric-electromagnetic hybrid generator

A hybrid generator consisting of the direct-current triboelectric nanogenerator (DC-TENG) based on the ternary dielectric triboelectrification effect and the electromagnetic generator (EMG) was designed to provide large output power even at low rotational speeds. At 120 rpm/min, the DC output of the hybrid generator realizes an open-circuit voltage of 3940 V and a short-circuit current of 8 mA, which is capable of powering 1288 light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and a temperature and humidity meter. A ZnO/MXene nanocomposite acetylene sensor has been developed, which can detect trace amounts of acetylene at room temperature. It has a response/recovery speed of 14 s/6 s, a high response of 178%, and long-term stability of more than 30 days for 5 ppm C2H2. In addition, the sensor is highly selective for acetylene, outperforming other gases by more than 100% for the seven characteristic gases in transformer oil. The hybrid generator powered acetylene sensing system was realized to detect the acetylene concentration at room temperature with an excellent response capability, short response recovery time (14 s/9 s), and good linearity and sensitivity. [Display omitted] •A ternary dielectric triboelectrification effect triboelectric nanogenerator.•Self-driven sensing of acetylene powered by a hybrid generator.•The acetylene sensor has a response/recovery speed of 14 s/6 s.•Acetylene self-driven sensing system provides good sensitivity and linearity.