Photo-responsive and recyclable graphene/thermosetting polyurethane shape memory composites for self-powered mechanosensor

Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) electrode materials that integrate flexibility, recyclability, and photo-responsive shape memory properties are very suitable for flexible energy harvesting, active motion sensors and smart sensors. Based on the Diels–Alder (D-A) reaction, the dynamically cross-linked furan modified GNs (graphene)/maleic anhydride modified polyurethane composite (FGM) is recyclable. When the content of furan modified GNs (FGNs) is 3 wt.% (FGM-3), the elongation at break can reach 968.6%, which is 662.40% higher than pure maleic anhydride modified polyurethane. At the same time, the short circuit current ( Isc ), open circuit voltage (Voc) and peak power density of FGM-3 TENG can reach 2.52 μA, 66.50 V and 1.13 W m −2 , respectively. In addition, under the laser irradiation of 600 mw, the FGM-3 film can reach a shape recovery ratio of 100% in 6 s. The FGM shape memory sensor (FGM STENG) can increase the voltage from 0.4 V to 1.1 V after being irradiated for 19 s. It is anticipated that our current work would provide a method to prepare recyclable self-power shape memory motion sensors.