Solid-state intrinsically-superstretchable multifunctional nanogenerator fiber for biomechanical and ambient electromagnetic energy harvesting and self-powered sensing

Abstract

Developing energy devices that are soft but tough and can extract multiple forms of surrounding energy is a crucial challenge for sustainable use of wearable electronics. Here, we report a solid-state naturally superstretchable (~590% stretchability) multifunctional nanogenerator fiber that can scavenge both biomechanical energy (e.g., from body motion) and dissipated electromagnetic energy (e.g., from nearby electrical appliances). Not only collect two types of waste energy, but also it can act as self-powered sensor. It comprises a conducting composite-coated extensible fiber clad in a triboelectric elastomer and extracts energy through triboelectrification (424 V m−1, 9.53 µA m−1, and ~85.2 µW m−1) and electromagnetic induced electrification ( ± 8.8 V m−1, ± 1.6 μA m−1, and ~2.81 μW m−1 at 60 Hz). The behavior to harvest nearby electromagnetic energy is successfully demonstrated in a carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-based composite. The collected energy can power electronic gadgets. Moreover, it can transmit biomechanical information, including physiological/respiratory signals, vibration of vocal cords, gestures, and touching, via self-generated electricity. The fibers are further used as self-powered human-machine interfaces in system-level smart clothing. The fiber that unites mechanical freedom and the ability of capturing multiple forms of energy and self-powered sensing can meet vast application needs for wearable/stretchable/personal energy and sensing technologies.