Highly stretchable and transparent triboelectric nanogenerator based on multilayer structured stable electrode for self-powered wearable sensor

Abstract

In recent years, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have grasped considerable attentions as sustainable power sources for next-generation electronics. However, far too rare research has been carried out to simultaneously achieve stretchability and transparency in TENGs. Here, we developed a stretchable and transparent TENG based on a Mxene-AgNWs-Mxene-polyurethane nanofibers (MAMP) electrode which exhibits excellent optoelectronic properties with low sheet resistance of 10.1 Ω/sq at the transmittance of 87.6%. Meanwhile, the as-prepared electrode achieves outstanding stretchability and durability with maximum strain of 180%, as well as 42% resistance variation after 1000 stretch-release cycles at 65% strain, which is attributed to the synergistic effect of the reinforcement of nanofiber-based scaffold and the improvement of adhesion between conductive network and elastic matrix by Mxene. Furthermore, the stretchable and transparent MAMP-TENG is employed as energy harvester and motion sensor, producing output voltage of 38 V and current density of 1.67 mA/m 2 just by hand tapping. The integration of sustainable power source and motion sensor with the attributes of stretchable and transparent in one makes it promising for applications in wearable devices and human-machine systems. • The electrospun polyurethane nanofibers as a scaffold can reinforce AgNWs network. • Mxene effectively enhances the adhesion between AgNWs network and PU nanofibers. • The electrode has excellent optoelectronic property, stretchability and durability. • Highly stretchable and transparent TENG as energy harvester and motion sensor.