Growth-Controllable Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on Surface-Attached Metal-Organic Framework Layer on Living Leaf

Plant nanoelectronics aims to achieve specific functions by selecting suitable nanomaterials to connect or implant into plants. In this work, a new cyclic-spraying method is developed to attain controllable growth of surface-attached metal-organic framework (SURMOF) coatings on various complex substrates, including cotton, silk, and plant leaves. The covalent bonds formed between the SURMOF layer and substrate enable them to connect firmly without additional adhesive and do not fall off from the microstructured substrate surface with the change of biological activity or environment. Noteworthily, the triboelectric polarity of SURMOF can be regulated by changing the ligand molecule. As a proof of concept, a growth-controllable triboelectric nanogenerator (GC-TENG) based on living leaves and coated SURMOF layer is developed, and the feasibility of using it in the self-driven agricultural monitoring system is explored. In addition, long-term monitoring results show that the growth of SURMOF coating will not cause damage to plant leaf tissue, nor will it affect plant photosynthesis.