As advances in micro/nanotechnology drive human–machine interface (HMI) systems toward miniaturized, intelligent, and autonomous platforms, most current HMI devices remain passive and dependent on external power sources, restricting their potential for truly self-sustained operation. Now, researchers from the MEMS and Nanotechnology Laboratory at Chonnam National University, led by Professor Dong-Weon Lee, in collaboration with Kyungpook National University, have presented a breakthrough study on an air-breakdown triboelectric nanogenerator (AB-TENG) with a transistor-inspired architecture. This work establishes a new design paradigm that transforms air breakdown from a limitation into a functional mechanism, advancing skin-electricity-enhanced thin-film TENGs toward next-generation self-sustaining HMI systems.

Why Air-Breakdown TENGs Matter

• Low-Force Operation: The AB-TENG achieves high electrical output from the electrostatic discharge of skin electrons at a low contact force compatible with day-to-day human–machine interface systems.
• Overcoming Conventional Limitations: Conventional tactile TENGs suffer from low surface charge density and unstable output due to air breakdown effects, which waste skin electrons in the air rather than converting them into electricity.
• Self-Powered HMI Systems: The device enables the fabrication of next-generation thin electronics without external power sources, suitable for keyboards, mice, remote controls, and other frequently touched interfaces.

Innovative Design and Features

• Transistor-Inspired Architecture: The AB-TENG employs a base terminal to collect electrons from human skin via an ionized air channel formed by air breakdown, featuring five layers (base, emitter, charge-inducing layer, dielectric layer, and collector).
• Dual Operational Modes: The device operates in indirect mode (accumulated output through electrostatic induction) and direct mode (instant high output through direct electron flow), ensuring efficient charge transfer even at low contact force.
• High Electrical Output: In direct mode, the AB-TENG delivers 165 V at 2 N and 290 V at 24 N, with a peak power of 22 mW—22 times higher than conventional tactile TENGs.

Applications and Future Outlook

• Self-Powered Infrared Remote Control: A practical demonstration shows the AB-TENG powering a wireless LED operation system with four integrated devices, achieving over 80% success rate at 15 N contact force.
• Ultrathin Self-Powered Keyboard: A 600 μm-thick keyboard with 30 keys (4 rows × 8 columns) demonstrates both wired and wireless communication capabilities, converting typing motion into both data signals and power.
• Environmental Adaptability: The device maintains stable performance under varying temperature conditions (20–80°C) and operates effectively at low humidity levels, with output decreasing at high humidity due to charge dissipation.
• Non-Contact Operation: The AB-TENG generates electricity through arc discharge without physical contact, producing 6–16 V across 0.5–2 mm air gaps, enabling touchless sensing applications.
• Challenges and Opportunities: The study highlights the need for further optimization in large-area, flexible, and wearable electronics. Future research will focus on extending the AB-TENG concept to IoT devices and improving performance in high-humidity environments.

This comprehensive study provides a roadmap for developing self-sustaining next-generation HMI and IoT devices. It highlights the importance of innovative energy harvesting strategies that transform physical limitations into functional advantages. Stay tuned for more groundbreaking work from Professor Dong-Weon Lee at Chonnam National University!