Chitosan (CS), as the polymer friction layer of triboelectric
nanogenerators
(TENGs), has great potential for application in the development of
degradable wearable sensors. However, its mechanical properties and
output performance require further improvement. Although introducing
plasticizers into polymers can simultaneously increase their mechanical
properties and TENG output, this strategy remains unexplored for degradable
polymer TENGs, which exhibit great potential as green materials in
electromechanical conversion. Herein, we used glycerol and polyethylene
glycol as plasticizers to enhance tensile properties and output properties
of the CS TENG. Plasticizer incorporation resulted in an improved
surface roughness and the introduction of numerous −OH groups,
thereby improving the tribo-positive electrical generation of CS.
The maximum open–circuit voltage can reach 173 V, which was
three times higher than that of pure CS-based TENGs. Moreover, reduced
Young’s modulus of this film made it more advantageous for
flexible sensor applications, and throat sensing and handwriting recognition
were realized. Finally, the CS sensor exhibited antibacterial activity
and complete degradability in soil within 36 days. Overall, this plasticizing
method is expected to be extensively studied in the field of degradable,
wearable polymer TENG sensors.