Triboelectric Nanosensor\nIntegrated with Robotic Platform\nfor Self-Powered Detection of Chemical Analytes

Rapid on-site detection of hazardous chemicals is imperative\nfor\nremote security and environmental monitoring applications. However,\nthe implementation of current sensing technologies in real environments\nis limited due to an external high-power requirement, poor selectivity\nand sensitivity. Recent progress in triboelectric nanosensors and\nnanogenerators presents tremendous opportunities to address these\nissues. Here, we report an innovative self-powered triboelectric nanosensor\nfor detection of Hg2+ ions, a harmful chemical pollutant,\nin a rapid single step on-site detection mechanism. Based on the mechanism\nof solid–liquid contact electrification, tellurium nanowire\n(Te NW) arrays serving as a solid triboelectric material as well as\nthe sensing probe underwent periodic contact and separation with the\nHg2+ solution, leading to the in situ formation of mercury\ntelluride nanowire (HgTe NWs) owing to the selective binding affinity\nof Te NWs toward Hg2+ ions. To realize the on-site sensing\npotential, Te NW arrays were mounted onto the robotic hands equipped\nwith additional wireless transmission functionality for rapid detection\nof Hg2+ ions in resource-limited settings by employing\na simple “touch and sense” mechanism. Such a demonstration\nof direct integration of self-powered sensors with robotics would\nlead to the development of low-cost, automated chemical sensing machinery\nfor the on-field detection of harmful analytes.