Sound frequency sensitive triboelectric nanogenerator for multi-functional auditory perceptual system applications

Hardware based neuromorphic sensory system has attracted great attention for cognitive interactive platform. Auditory perception system can capture and analyze various sound signals, helping us to detect dangerous surroundings and judge environmental conditions. Therefore, developing neuromorphic auditory system that can decode auditory spatiotemporal information would be interesting. Here, an artificial auditory perceptual system is proposed by integrating sound frequency sensitive triboelectric nanogenerators (SFS-TENGs) and oxide based ionotronic neuromorphic transistor. With perforated configuration, the SFS-TENG adopting polyetheretherketone membrane and polytetrafluoroethylene membrane as friction layers can convert sound wave signals into electrical signals, exhibiting a high sensitivity of ~ 2.24 V/dB and good durability. The neuromorphic transistor can further process electrical signals generated by SFS-TENG. Thus, the system can mimic auditory perception, exhibiting a wide range of sound pressure and frequency recognition capabilities. Information encryption/decryption and Doppler frequency shift temporal information processing are demonstrated on the TENG based auditory system for the first time. The present auditory perceptual system demonstrates broad application prospects, providing new opportunities to create sophisticated, adaptable, and interactive systems.