Biomorphic honeycomb-engineered Ti2C MXene/PDMS composite triboelectric nanogenerator for eco-conscious energy harvesting and autonomous analysis of perishable food freshness
Journal
Chemical Engineering Journal
Journal Volume
533
Start Page
174961
ISSN
13858947
Date Issued
2026-04-01
Author(s)
Chittibabu, Suresh Kumar
Vijayababu, Mullapudi
Natarajan, Karthick
Sharma, Nimmi
Chandrasekhar, Arunkumar
Chintagumpala, Krishnamoorthi
Abstract
Real-time surveillance of perishable food quality throughout storage, retail management, and domestic distribution is essential to avert foodborne threats and assure customer safety. Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) as a self-powered sensor is an avant-garde sensing strategy for the precise assessment of the freshness of perishable foods without reliance on any auxiliary power source. Herein, a novel Ti2C MXene was synthesized and embedded in a PDMS matrix as a nanocomposite (honeycomb patterned), exhibiting superior negative triboelectric characteristics. The proposed TENG operates in vertical contact between the circular conductor (Al) and dielectric (Ti2CTx MXene/PDMS) mode (CCD-TENG) with a spring-assisted design, ensuring architectural simplicity and mechanical reliability. Under multiple low frequencies of mechanical excitation (1–2 Hz), the CCD-TENG's electrical characterization was extensively validated, demonstrating a maximum open-circuit voltage of 105 V, a short-circuit current of 6.78 μA, and a peak power density of 15.01 μW/cm2, confirming its superior triboelectric charge transfer efficiency. This CCD-TENG is implemented as a self-powered intelligent sensor for assessing the freshness of perishable foods (mango, fish, spinach) in a hermetically sealed chamber under high humidity and ambient temperature. This self-powered intelligent CCD-TENG heralds a new direction for autonomous and sustainable food quality monitoring in domestic transportation and packaging.
Subjects
3D honeycomb pattern
Eco-conscious energy harvesting
Intelligent sensor
Perishable food freshness
Ti2C MXene
Triboelectric nanogenerator
Publisher
Elsevier B.V.
Type
journal article