All-textile wearable triboelectric nanogenerator using pile-embroidered fibers for enhancing output power

Abstract

Textile-based triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have received considerable attention for wearable applications owing to their significant advantages, such as flexibility, lightness, and breathability. Recently, several studies based on the modification of friction surfaces for improving the triboelectric output performance have been reported. However, previously reported methods require complicated fabrication processes and may deteriorate the intrinsic properties of a textile. Herein, we present a wearable TENG utilizing a textile composed of pile-embroidered (rough-textured) fibers as a contact surface. The deformability of the fibers originating from the suspended structure provides a large contact area that can participate in triboelectrification. This significantly increases charge density induced on the surface in response to a compressive force, resulting in a high output voltage of 113 V. The TENG also exhibits a high output power, which is 24 times higher than that of the TENG based on satin-embroidered (flat-textured) fibers. More importantly, owing to the conventional textile manufacturing process based on three-dimensional embroidery, the fabrication of our TENG is significantly simpler and more cost-effective than previously reported techniques. Experimental demonstrations as a wearable energy harvester highlight the utility of the TENG for generating electricity from various human motions. Based on ease of manufacturing and high output performance, the proposed harvester is a promising candidate as a low-cost power source for nextgeneration electronics, such as Internet of Things devices and self-powered smart clothing.

Textile triboelectric nanogenerators for self-powered biomonitoring

“…In addition to interface engineering, particular ber/fabric structural designs can be implemented to further improve charge density and, subsequently, output performance. Some of these recent advancements in structure include using rough bers, 105 stretchable fabrics, 298 3D fabrics with larger surface areas, 148,211,299,300 multiple stacked fabric, 301 increasing yarn or stich density, 302,303 and many more. Furthermore, the motion parameters of the triboelectric layers can be manipulated to enhance electrostatic induction and thereby improve output performance.…”

Textile-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Wearable Self-Powered Microsystems

“…Weaving and knitting [ 82 , 83 ] are common knitting methods. In addition, 3D knitting [ 84 , 85 ] is also used to improve the output performance of T-TENG.…”

“…Weaving and knitting [82,83] are common knitting methods. In addition, 3D knitting [84,85] is also used to improve the output performance of T-TENG. Pyo et al used textiles composed of pile embroidery (rough texture) fibers as the contact surface to increase the effective triboelectric area, and compared with plain weave fibers, the output increased by 24 times [85].…”

“…In addition, 3D knitting [84,85] is also used to improve the output performance of T-TENG. Pyo et al used textiles composed of pile embroidery (rough texture) fibers as the contact surface to increase the effective triboelectric area, and compared with plain weave fibers, the output increased by 24 times [85]. As shown in Figure 3d, Chen et al uses PTFE thread, carbon thread, and cotton thread to woven fabric TENG, and studied the influence of the spacing between carbon threads and the line width of PTFE on the electrical output performance of TENG.…”

Robust Power Textile Based on Triboelectrification for Self-Powered Smart Textiles

“…[10]- [12] As a result, powering the smart textiles by power textiles will be an appropriate option, having advantages of high integration and good comfortability. [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] However, robust power textile that has long life time and good stability after harsh treatment (washing, e.g.) is still a challenge.…”