Mechanical energy harvesting and self-powered electronic applications of textile-based piezoelectric nanogenerators: A systematic review

Abstract

Environmental pollution resulting from fossil fuel consumption and the limited lifespan of batteries has shifted the focus of energy research towards the adoption of green renewable technologies. On the other hand, there is a growing potential for small, wearable, portable electronic devices. Therefore, considering the pollution caused by fossil fuels, the drawbacks of chemical batteries, and the potential applications of small-scale wearables and portable electronic devices, the development of a more effective lightweight power source is essential. In this context, piezoelectric energy harvesting technology has attracted keen attention. Piezoelectric energy harvesting technology is a process that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy and vice-versa. Piezoelectric energy harvesters can be fabricated in various ways, including through solution casting, electrospinning, melt spinning, and solution spinning techniques. Solution and melt-spun filaments can be used to develop woven, knitted, and braided textile-based piezoelectric energy harvesters. The integration of textile-based piezoelectric energy harvesters with conventional textile clothing will be a key enabling technology in realising the next generation smart wearable electronics. This review focuses on the current achievements on textile based piezoelectric nanogenerators (T-PENGs), basic knowledge about piezoelectric materials and the piezoelectric mechanism. Additionally, the basic understanding of textiles, different fabrication methods of T-PENGs, and the strategies to improve the performance of piezoelectric nanogenerators are discussed in the subsequent sections. Finally, the challenges faced in harvesting energy using textile based piezoelectric nanogenerators (T-PENGs) are identified, and a perspective to inspire researchers working in this area is presented.