Characteristic Study of Self-Powered Sensors Based on Native Protein Composite Film

Flexible electronic sensors composed of flexible film and conductive materials play an increasingly important role in wearable and internet information transmission. It has received more and more attention and made some progress over the decades. However, it is still a great challenge to prepare biocompatible and highly transparent conductive films. Egg white is a pure natural protein-rich material. Hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose has a good compatibility and high transparency, which is an ideal material for flexible sensors. Here, we overcome the problem of poor mechanical flexibility and electrical conductivity of protein, and develop a high transparency and good flexibility hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose/egg white protein composite membrane-based triboelectric nanogenerator ('X'-TENG). The experimental results show that the flexible pressure sensor based on 'X'-TENG has a high sensitivity, fast response speed, and low detection limit. It can even be used as a touch/pressure sensing artificial electronic skin. It can also be made into an intelligent waffle keyboard for recording and tracking users of the keyboard. Our strategy may provide a new way to easily build flexible electronic sensors and move toward practical applications.