Fully‐Recyclable Green and Fire‐Resistant Triboelectric Elastomer via Geometrical Synergistic Fillers and Its Applications for Smart Firefighting Boots

Aerogel fibers, known for their lightweight and exceptional thermal insulation properties, provide an ideal material solution for fabricating triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) for self‐powered wearable electronics in extreme environments, such as firefighting gear. However, current aerogel fibers face limitations due to their poor mechanical properties and lack of performance stability under harsh conditions. Herein, a facile strategy for preparing silica/aramid nanofiber (ANF) composite aerogel fibers with interpenetrated dual networks and a silica‐dominant component (≈64 wt.%) is demonstrated; the unique structure and composition endow the composite aerogel fibers with high tensile strength (3.4 MPa), low thermal conductivity (0.033 W (m·K)−1), a large specific surface area (587 m2 g−1), and outstanding fire resistance at 95% porosity, combining the best properties of both ANF and silica aerogel. Moreover, the composite aerogel fibers exhibit excellent mechanical flexibility at extremely low temperatures (−196 °C) and maintain structural integrity even when exposed to flame for up to 5 min. Leveraging these exceptional properties, composite aerogel fiber‐based TENGs show high electrical output performance before and after combustion (>94% retention). The fabrication strategy offers promising opportunities for modulating the properties and functionalities of aerogel fibers on demand, holding great potential for future applications in wearable smart protective fabrics for extreme environments.

Mechanically Robust and Thermal Insulating Silica/Aramid Nanofiber Composite Aerogel Fibers with Dual Networks for Fire‐Resistant and Flexible Triboelectric Nanogenerators

Li,

Hu,

Pan

et al. 2024

Aramid Triboelectric Materials: Opportunities for Self‐Powered Wearable Personal Protective Electronics

Chi,

Cai,

Liu

et al. 2024

The seamless integration of advanced triboelectric nanogenerators with fiber material has propelled the rapid advancement of intelligent wearable electronics. The overheating and mechanical abrasion associated with prolonged operation poses a significant challenge for conventional fiber‐based triboelectric materials. Aramid fibers, characterized by high thermal stability, ultra‐high mechanical strength, and excellent insulating properties, can effectively compensate for the limitations of triboelectric materials. However, the intrinsic advantages of aramid fiber triboelectric materials and their general structural design strategies have not yet to be comprehensively elucidated. In this review, the synthesis methods and development history of aramid fiber triboelectric materials in recent years are summarized. Importantly, the unique advantages and development potential of aramid fibers as triboelectric materials are systematically discussed, particularly regarding high‐temperature resistance, high strength, and electrical insulation. Furthermore, the latest advancements in the structural design and performance modulation of aramid fiber triboelectric materials are presented. The aramid fiber‐based self‐powered wearable electronics in high‐temperature warning, impact monitoring, and human energy harvesting are summarized. Finally, the challenges and opportunities facing the future development of aramid fiber‐based triboelectric nanogenerators are discussed.

Wearable Multifunctional Bilayer Nanofiber Films for Human Motion Energy Harvesting and Photothermal Therapy

Shen,

Wu,

et al. 2024

In light of the escalating requisites for portability, functionality, comfort, and health in electronic apparatus, the imperative advancement of sophisticated multifunctional textile‐based triboelectric nanogenerators (textile‐TENGs) is underscored. This research delineates the fabrication of an innovative multifunctional textile‐TENG, comprising a photosensitive stratum aimed at thermal regulation and photothermal therapy, alongside a tribo‐negative nanofiber film adorning its verso. Exhibiting superlative electrical prowess, the textile‐TENG generates remarkably elevated outputs over a wide temperature range, thereby facilitating the efficacious conversion of kinetic energy derived from human motion into electrical energy. Concurrently, the device manifests an exceptional photothermal conversion efficiency, achieving instantly modifiable saturation temperatures (41.52–60.97 °C) under diverse solar exposures, rendering it eminently suitable for a broad spectrum of applications in thermal therapy and regulation domains. Significantly, within cold environments, the textile‐TENG demonstrates a capability to augment temperature by approximately 7.4 °C, markedly surpassing conventional cotton textiles in performance. In summation, the textile‐TENG is characterized by its unparalleled electromechanical attributes and photothermal conversion efficacies, concurrently facilitating thermal regulation, therapy, and electricity generation. This investigation not only furnishes a referential methodology for the development of advanced multifunctional textile devices but also substantially expands the conceivable application ambit of textile‐based technologies.