High-Performance Ridge Gourd Fiber-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Eco-Conscious Self-Powered Systems

Abstract The growing demand for sustainable energy materials has accelerated studies toward bio-derived polymers and natural fibers for eco-smart technologies. Herein, bio-inspired triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) was fabricated by polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) coating on polysaccharide-rich ridge gourd (RG; Luffa acutangular) fibers, an abundant agricultural by-product. The composites were systematically characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, mechanical testing, dielectric analysis, and electrical measurements to evaluate their structural, morphological, elemental, interfacial, and triboelectric properties. The coating of PVA on RG fibers significantly enhanced the electrical performance, resulting in a peak-to-peak output voltage of 426 V, a current of 82 μA, and a maximum instantaneous power density of 64.5 W/m2. The improvement is attributed to strong interfacial interactions and hydrogen bonding between PVA and RG fibers, which promote efficient charge transfer and interfacial polarization. The presence of polysaccharides in ridge RG (cellulose and hemicellulose) provides abundant hydroxyl (−OH) groups that further strengthen these interactions. The PVA@RG-TENG demonstrated excellent long-term electrical stability under repeated mechanical loading. Its practical utility was validated through charging commercial capacitors, powering a calculator, and functioning as a self-powered biomechanical sensor integrated into footwear for real-time monitoring of human motion. This study highlights RG fibers coated with PVA as a low-cost, biodegradable, and mechanically robust material, offering a sustainable platform for multifunctional, high-performance, and eco-friendly TENGs for wearable and smart sensing applications.