All-yarn triboelectric nanogenerator and supercapacitor based self-charging power cloth for wearable applications

Abstract

Despite rapid developments, multifunctional wearable electronics are still not significant in practical applications as compared to portable and stretchable power devices. In this paper, we present the flexible and easy large-scale production of single-electrode mode triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and supercapacitor yarn-based self-charging power fabric, for simultaneously converting and storing biomechanical energy. Fabricated using traditional knitting technologies, the self-charging power fabric can adapt to complex mechanical deformations owing to its high flexibility and stretchability. Additionally, the output characteristics of the TENG fabric were systematically investigated with the purpose of energy generation. The TENG fabric can generate a maximum peak power density of ∼90 mW·m−2 using nylon as the contact material, with an operating frequency of 4 Hz. The as-prepared yarn-based supercapacitor exhibited high capacitance, good cycling stability, and flexibility, making it an appropriate wearable energy-storage device. Moreover, the proposed design uses energy harvested from biomechanical motions to sustainably power portable electronic devices. The results of this study indicate that the proposed design is a promising sustainable power source for wearable electronic devices.

Fibrous triboelectric nanogenerators: fabrication, integration, and application

“…8a-ii), a compound ber with excellent conductivity can be fabricated in a relatively simple way. 57,115,116,136 Liquid metal is the most popular conductive liquid used in the fabrication of F-TENGs because of its incomparable conductivity. Yang constructed an F-TENG with the SE mode by injecting a nontoxic liquid metal (Galinstan) into a silicone rubber tube.…”

“…8a-ii), a compound fiber with excellent conductivity can be fabricated in a relatively simple way. 57,115,116,136…”

“…30,35,63,107,152 Because F-TENGs and T-TENGs usually exhibit unstable electric output during their practical application, they cannot be directly used to drive most electronic devices, which require a stable and continuous input power. 70,116,153 Thus, a potential solution is to construct a self-charging power system by integrating energy-harvesting TENGs with energy-storage devices (such as batteries and supercapacitors (SC)) (Fig. 15a), which provides more opportunities for sustainable and maintenance-free applications.…”

All‐in‐one energy harvesting system with triboelectric and thermoelectric hybrid generator and Au nanoflower supercapacitor for a light stimulation to the wildlife

“…Moreover, scavenging mechanical energy from the harsh environment with TENGs has already been reported 32‐34 . For the wearable TENG device, the ability of integration with supercapacitor was exhibited as a self‐charging cloth 35 . The ThEG can generate electricity from heat energy 36 .…”

“…[32][33][34] For the wearable TENG device, the ability of integration with supercapacitor was exhibited as a self-charging cloth. 35 The ThEG can generate electricity from heat energy. 36 According to Seebeck effect, this electrical current is flowing into the closed loop from the temperature difference between the top and bottom layer of the plate-typed ThEG device.…”