Underwater Monitoring Networks Based on Cable-Structured Triboelectric Nanogenerators

The importance of ocean exploration and underwater monitoring is becoming vital, due to the abundant biological, mineral, energy, and other resources in the ocean. Here, a self-powered underwater cable-based triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is demonstrated for underwater monitoring of mechanical motion/triggering, as well as searching and rescuing in the sea. Using a novel double-layer winding method combined with ferroelectric polarization, a self-powered cable-structured sensor with a stable electrical output has been manufactured, which can accurately respond to a variety of external mechanical stimuli. A self-powered cable sensing network woven using smart cables can comprehensively transmit information, such as the plane position and dive depth of a submersible. More precisely, it can analyze its direction of movement, speed, and path, along with transmitting information such as the submersible’s size and momentum. The developed self-powered sensor based on the cable-based TENG not only has low cost and simple structure but also exhibits working accuracy and stability. Finally, the proposed work provides new ideas for future seabed exploration and ocean monitoring.