Self‐powered virtual olfactory generation system based on bionic fibrous membrane and electrostatic field accelerated evaporation

Abstract Olfactory plays an important role in virtual reality technology. In this work, a bionic fibrous membrane (BFM) integrated with the function of electrostatic field accelerated evaporation (EFAE) is applied for realizing the virtual olfactory generation (VOG) system. The BFM is capable of self‐driven unidirectional liquid transmission and EFAE process is induced on BFM by using an ultrafast voltage‐elevation triboelectric nanogenerator (UVE‐TENG). The output voltage from UVE‐TENG can reach 8 kV within 40 ms, which is enough to maintain all of the functions of VOG system. Meanwhile, the output current from UVE‐TENG is smaller than 1 μA, leading to a safe and human compatible system. The flow rate of the volatile liquid spray from the system emitter can reach 0.1 μl/s, and the average evaporation rate of the BFM device with integrated EFAE function is 0.12 mg/s. Accordingly, the user of this VOG system can feel the generation of odor within 3 s, while the switching of different odor channels can be wirelessly controlled by a mobile phone. This VOG system enhances the user's immersive and interactive experience for virtual reality technology. The similar system composed of UVE‐TENG, reed switch, BFM and EFAE devices also has potential application value in assisted breathing treatment and nasal delivery. image