Multiple textile triboelectric nanogenerators based on UV-protective, radiative cooling, and antibacterial composite yarns

Abstract

In addition to energy scavenging and self-powered sensing, there is growing interest in expanding the capabilities of textile-based triboelectric nanogenerators (T-TENGs). In this study, we present a novel approach to developing T-TENGs with advanced features, such as antibacterial, ultraviolet (UV) protection, and radiative cooling performance. We use core − shell yarns consisting of conductive stainless steel wires (SS) as the electrode and anti-UV cotton yarns with antibacterial properties (UV/OM-CY) combined with polyethylene (PE) yarns that are tightly twined around the core SS fibers as the basic building blocks (PE/UV/OM-CY). The resulting fabric (PE/UV/OM-CF TENG), woven from these composite yarns, not only exhibits remarkable UV-protection capabilities with a UPF value of up to 328, but also demonstrates exceptional personal temperature management performance, with a surface temperature approximately 6.9 °C lower than that of cotton fabrics under intense direct sunlight. Moreover, the PE/UV/OM-CF TENG exhibits remarkable antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, the fabricated PE/UV/OM-CF TENG displays excellent capability as a self-powered movement sensor, which could assist patients in modifying their exercise routines. Our multifunctional and consumer-centric design of T-TENG technology shows great potential for wearable electronics and could advance the development of artificial intelligence.