Scalable, stretchable and washable triboelectric fibers for self-powering human-machine interaction and cardiopulmonary resuscitation training

Abstract

Flexible and stretchable fiber-shaped triboelectric nanogenerators (FTENGs) have been extensively investigated in wearable electronics due to their ability to harvest human-body mechanical energy and serve as self-powered sensing systems. However, developing a facial and scalable fabrication method for highly flexible and comfortable FTENGs remains a formidable challenge. Here, a scalable, flexible and washable coaxially structured FTENGs is developed, which possess excellent mechanical stretchability, weave-ability and electrical output performance. The instantaneous power density of FTENG fabrics with an effective area of 32 cm2 can reach as high as 0.957 W m-2 under an external load resistance of 10 MΩ, which is superior to the vast majority of reported work. As self-powered sensors, FTENGs can harvest human motion energy for the detection of body physiological signals and human-machine interactions. Importantly, a wearable cardiopulmonary resuscitation training system is developed based on the FTENGs, which can evaluate the quality of chest compressions, including compression rate, depth, chest compression leaning and chest recoil condition. All these advantages of FTENGs are expected to broadly benefit the development of medical assistance training.