Tribotronic transistor sensor for enhanced hydrogen detection

Hydrogen detection with a high sensitivity is necessary for preventing potential explosions and fire. In this study, a novel ZnO tribotronic transistor is developed by coupling a ZnO field effect transistor (FET) and triboelectric nanogenerator in free-standing mode and is used as a sensor for hydrogen detection at room temperature. Tribotronic modulated performances of the hydrogen sensor are demonstrated by investigating its output characteristics at different sliding distances and hydrogen concentrations. By applying an external mechanical force to the device for sliding electrification, the detection sensitivity of the ZnO tribotronic transistor sensor is improved, with a significant enhancement achieved in output current by 62 times at 500 ppm hydrogen and 1 V bias voltage. This study demonstrates an extension of the applications of emerging tribotronics for gas detection and a prospective approach to improve the performance of the hydrogen sensor via human-interfacing.