Textile Triboelectric Nanogenerator Research Articles

A Review on the Progress in Core-Spun Yarns (CSYs) Based Textile TENGs for Real-Time Energy Generation, Capture and Sensing.

This review is a critical analysis of the current state-of-the-art in core spun yarn textile triboelectric nanogenerators (CSY-T-TENGs) for self-powered smart sensing applications. The rapid expansion of wireless communication, flexible conductive materials, and wearable electronics over the last ten years is now demanding autonomous energy, which has created a new research space in the field of wearable T-TENGs. Current research is exploring T-TENGs made from CSYs as stable and reliable energy harvesters and sensing devices for modern wearable IoT platforms. CSY-TENGs are emerging as an important technology due to its simple structure, low cost, and excellent performance in converting mechanical energy into electrical energy and due to its sensing ability. This paper provides a critical review on current progress, it analyzes the unique advantages of CSYs T-TENGs over conventional T-TENGs, it describes fabrication techniques and discusses the materials used along with their properties and electrical performance characteristics, and it highlights the recent advancements in their integration with self-excitation circuits, charge storage devices and IoT-enabled smart sensing applications, such as environmental and health monitoring. In the conclusion, it discusses the challenges and future directions of CSYs T-TENGs and it provides a future road map for optimization, upscaling, and commercialization of the technology.

Printed graphene electrodes for textile-embedded triboelectric nanogenerators for biomechanical sensing

Textile triboelectric nano-generators (TENGs) are emerging as a promising solution for wearable self-powered sensing technology. However, achieving textile TENGs with excellent output performance in conformable devices, while using textile compatible techniques, is still a challenge. In this work, a highly efficient flexible triboelectric textile is developed by using printed graphene electrodes with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and the textile itself as the triboelectric pair. To achieve this, a textile planarization technique with a polyurethane adhesive was employed, along with three different deposition methods: graphene droplet films (GDF), graphene immersion films (GIF), and graphene spray films (GSF). The result was a flexible textile electrode that surpassed non-planarized devices in all three printing techniques, with a 4-fold improvement and a power density of 3.08 µW/cm². Moreover, by increasing the TENG contact area through the use of four parallel devices measuring 3 × 3 cm² each, the power output reached an effective power of 60 µW. The flexible TENG presents a stable output performance under strong deformation and its sensitivity to movement was explored as wearable sensor to monitor biomechanical movements. This work provides a versatile method for constructing flexible triboelectric textile fabrics using only industrial compatible printing textile processes, paving the way to the seamless integration of self-powered wearable sensing technology into textiles.

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

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.

A breathable and woven hybrid energy harvester with optimized power management for sustainably powering electronics

Wearable hybrid energy harvesters show enormous potential for supplying power to wearable electronics since they circumvent the issue of discontinuous source energy of single energy harvesters and thereby supply more available energy. The hybridization of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) and biofuel cells (BFCs) is promising; however, there are two major challenges. First, the two energy harvesters’ outputs are severely mismatched, but optimized power management and design principles have not yet been demonstrated. Second, previously reported devices are based on planar structures and lack breathability. Here, we develop a breathable and woven hybrid energy harvester (BWHEH) that is knitted with a textile TENG and fiber BFCs. A power management circuit is specially designed to match and optimize the output direct current power supply, which can enlarge the output power by ∼46.1 times, significantly lowering the effective internal impedance of the power source and improving the power delivery for common wearable loading conditions. The design principles of the power management for the TENG–BFC hybrid are thoroughly revealed. The wearable BWHEH self-charging power system can sustainably power various portable electronics by harvesting biomechanical and biochemical energy. This work provides a new route for energy harvesting and offers fundamental guidance for high-power hybrid energy harvesters.

Integrated Piezo-Triboelectric Nanogenerators-Based Self-Powered Flexible Temperature and Pressure Sensor

Efficient harvesting of ubiquitous ambient mechanical energy using various types of nanogenerators (NGs) has attracted considerable interest in recent years. Herein, we present a textile triboelectric nanogenerator (T-TENG) using Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and Nylon based counter-surfaces in fabric form (both fixed to conductive fabric electrodes). T-TENG performance is enhanced by exposing PTFE film with Argon plasma. The output voltage of the plasma treated devices increased by a factor of ~10, and their short circuit current density increased by a factor of ~9 (compared to pristine non-plasma treated devices). Additionally, we demonstrate that the fabricated T-TENG can be used as a self-powered temperature sensor, tested in the 25-90 °C range. The T-TENG output voltage decreased linearly with increasing temperature exhibiting a sensitivity of ~ 1%/(°C). Further, we integrated a flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG) on top of the T-TENG to detect the contact forces. The PENG output is also used to compensate the pressure dependent output of TENG underneath, and allows distinct temperature and pressure measurements. The excellent results observed here show the potential of T-TENGs for use as self-powered sensors in applications such as health monitoring, wearables and interactive systems.

Empowering Sustainability: Harnessing Textile Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Green Energy Harvesting

The triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have shown the most significant potential in developing a sustainable power source for wearable technologies. Among the various TENGs devices, the textiles are the most suitable candidates for harvesting biomechanical energy due to their excellent flexibility, biocompatibility, confirmability, and simple fabrication techniques. The advancement in the textile technologies enables a seamless integration of TENG into the clothing and accessories for efficient energy harvesting. Various approaches for developing textile-based TENGs are demonstrated mainly on weaving, knitting and combinations of different textile manufacturing processes. The potential of textile-based TENGs to provide sustainable energy for wearables makes them a promising avenue for future developments in the field of renewable energy technology. This paper provides a critical review of current developments in textile-based triboelectric nanogenerators as a sustainable power source, the effect of textile process parameters and the applications of TENGs for physiological monitoring.

Scalable spinning, winding, and knitting graphene textile TENG for energy harvesting and human motion recognition

Textile electronics have attracted great attentions due to their promising applications with endowed capacity of information collection/storage/identification/detection/display. Paired consecutive, scalable, and mass-productive preparation process is critical to be developed for textile energy/sensory electronics with artificial intelligence. Here, we develop a consecutive and scalable process of spinning, roll-to-roll dip-coating, multiaxial winding, and machine knitting for preparing graphene textile triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) for energy harvesting and machine-learning assisted human motion monitoring. The graphene textile TENGs have shown high flexibility, shape adaptability, structural integrity, cyclic washability, and superior mechanical stability. Based on the 3D cardigan stitch knitting fashion, the graphene textile TENG shows a maximum peak power of 3.6 μW with an average output power of 0.48 μW, which is capable of powering portable electronics. The self-powered sensing performance of textile TENGs has also been characterized according to the stretching ratio (or external strain). Furthermore, this research uses machine learning algorithms for the analysis of the sensing signals to assist human motion monitoring. The demonstrated graphene-yarn based textile TENGs provide an efficient method to harvesting biomechanical energy and monitoring/distinguishing multiple human motions, which offer an excellent wearable digital platform/system for potential motion capture/monitoring, identification, and smart-sports related applications.

Customizing Triboelectric Nanogenerator on Everyday Clothes by Screen‐Printing Technology for Biomechanical Energy Harvesting and Human‐Interactive Applications

AbstractIntegrating self‐powered sensors or energy harvesters with everyday clothes brings a novel insight into wearable electronics and improves personal intelligence in the era of the Internet of Things. This work develops a customizable screen‐printed textile triboelectric nanogenerator (SPT‐TENG) for biomechanical energy harvesting and human‐interactive applications. The as‐fabricated textile TENG not only presents excellent wearing experiences such as lightweight, permeability, and washability, but also exhibits high electrical output performance to power sustainably some portable electronics such as a watch or calculator. The system‐level wearable human‐interactive applications, including a wireless keyboard and a smart home appliance control, are also demonstrated with the advantages of cyber security, easy operation, low cost, and wearability through screen‐printing pattern‐customized TENG arrays. Benefiting from these features, the SPT‐TENG shows promising applications in wearable electronics, human‐machine interfaces, and artificial intelligence.

High-Performance Triboelectric Nanogenerators Based on Commercial Textiles: Electrospun Nylon 66 Nanofibers on Silk and PVDF on Polyester.

A high-performance textile triboelectric nanogenerator is developed based on the common commercial fabrics silk and polyester (PET). Electrospun nylon 66 nanofibers were used to boost the tribo-positive performance of silk, and a poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF) coating was deployed to increase the tribo-negativity of PET. The modifications confer a very significant boost in performance: output voltage and short-circuit current density increased ∼17 times (5.85 to 100 V) and ∼16 times (1.6 to 24.5 mA/m2), respectively, compared with the Silk/PET baseline. The maximum power density was 280 mW/m2 at a 4 MΩ resistance. The performance boost likely results from enhancing the tribo-positivity (and tribo-negativity) of the contact layers and from increased contact area facilitated by the electrospun nanofibers. Excellent stability and durability were demonstrated: the nylon nanofibers and PVDF coating provide high output, while the silk and PET substrate fabrics confer strength and flexibility. Rapid capacitor charging rates of 0.045 V/s (2 μF), 0.031 V/s (10 μF), and 0.011 V/s (22 μF) were demonstrated. Advantages include high output, a fully textile structure with excellent flexibility, and construction based on cost-effective commercial fabrics. The device is ideal as a power source for wearable electronic devices, and the approach can easily be deployed for other textiles.

Industrial Fabrication of 3D Braided Stretchable Hierarchical Interlocked Fancy‐Yarn Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Self‐Powered Smart Fitness System

AbstractSustainable, clean, random energy resources from the environment, like that from ubiquitous human biomechanical movements, are highly desirable for the information era. Such biomechanical energy can be captured via textile triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). However, realizing a textile TENG that has a self‐driven working mode, dynamic pattern designability, high electrical performance, mechanical robustness, and industrialized fabrication is challenging because of the difficulty in fancy‐yarn structure manipulation. Here, for the first time, a 3D braided stretchable hierarchical interlocking fancy‐yarn TENG (3D HIFY‐TENG) with deoxyribonucleic acid‐like double‐wing spiral structure is industrially exploited for multifunctional energy harvesting modes and self‐powered biomechanical sensing. The 3D HIFY‐TENG can generate self‐driven triboelectrical outputs without relying on other objects by body movements. It shows a mechanical robustness (6.9 cN dtex−1), excellent stretchability (>350%), weavability, washability and human‐body comfort. Moreover, geometric and mechanical behavior of the 3D HIFY‐TENG are systematically investigated theoretically and experimentally. Further, multifunctional 3D HIFY‐TENG fabrics are explored, which can not only harvest biomechanical energy and monitor body movement, but exhibit a unique adjustable pore effect, providing potential for dynamic electronic textile pattern design. In addition, a smart fitness system is developed for exercise management of real‐time exercise detection, frequency analysis, and self‐powered posture correction alarms.

Toward 3D double-electrode textile triboelectric nanogenerators for wearable biomechanical energy harvesting and sensing

Textile-based triboelectric nanogenerators (T-TENGs) have attracted much attention nowadays because of their excellent flexibility and wearability in biomechanical energy harvesting and sensing. However, T-TENGs prepared by current methods of layer-by-layer stacking, stitching, or coating on the surface of fabric still have some problems such as poor comfort, complicated preparation processes, and easy peeling of coating materials. Herein, a 3D double-electrode and machine-knittable fabric TENG (3D-FTENG) with integrated positive and negative triboelectric materials and electrode materials is proposed by coated core-spun yarn and programmable spacer fabric technologies. The triboelectric materials and electrodes of 3D-FTENG are made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) coated and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) coated Ag-cotton core-spun yarns. With structural design, three 3D-FTENGs with the same surface structures but different intermediate structures are designed and prepared, and the influence of intermediate structures on performance of 3D-FTENG is further studied. The power density of 3D-FTENG with the crisscross structure as intermediate layer reach up to 200.93 mW/m2. The 3D-FTENG is also soft, comfortable, high air permeable and washable. The output electric performance can be maintained after washing cycles and 50,000 cyclic tests. The 3D-FTENG can not only power small electronic products but also monitor human motions, demonstrating good potentials in wearable electronics.

Development of triboelectric-enabled tunable Fabry-Pérot photonic-crystal-slab filter towards wearable mid-infrared computational spectrometer

Miniaturized optical spectrometers have been realized by exploiting conventional working principles and advanced nanofabrication technology. Especially in the mid-infrared (MIR) range, chip-scale optical spectrometers enable fast and on-site detection of molecular fingerprints for selective chemical sensing in healthcare and environmental monitoring. This miniaturization is also highly desirable for the wearable devices where the tiny functional parts remain on rigid substrates but the electronics are flexible. In the last decade, the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) technology has been proven as an indispensable and enabling technology for wearable self-powered sensors, energy harvesters and voltage sources, etc. Although a few TENG based gas sensors have been demonstrated, each of these sensors can detect a particular gas other than diversified gases. Infrared spectrometer is known as an instrument which can investigate the infrared absorption characteristics of gas molecules. It is the best generic technology to sense multiple gases on the same instrument, or device. In this study, we demonstrate a TENG enabled tunable Fabry-Pérot (FP) photonic-crystal-slab filter aiming for the computational spectrometer in the MIR range. The textile-triboelectric nanogenerator (T-TENG) provides high open-circuit voltage to shift the resonance wavelengths of the electrostatically actuated FP-filter, where this feature provides the sampling bases required for the computational spectrometer. Furthermore, the FP-filter is fabricated by a new transfer-printing method and shows a large wavelength tunability. As a proof of concept, the transmission spectrum of acetone vapor is reconstructed from 5 to 6.5 µm using this TENG enabled FP-filter. The molecular fingerprint of acetone is identified at 5.75 µm. This work paves the way towards the wearable MIR miniaturized optical spectrometer. • A MEMS tunable Fabry-Perot (FP) photonic-crystal-slab filter is fabricated by transfer-printing method. • The computational optical spectrometer is demonstrated for the first time with a single MEMS tunable device. • A textile-TENG is incorporated to tune the resonance of FP filter, forming the sampling bases for computational spectrometer. • The transmission spectra of CO 2 and acetone are reconstructed with their molecular fingerprints identified.

Scalable fabrication of stretchable and washable textile triboelectric nanogenerators as constant power sources for wearable electronics

The textile-based triboelectric nanogenerator (tTENG) is one of the most promising energy harvesting devices for realizing self-powered smart textiles and wearable electronics. Herein, we report a scalable machine-knitting fabrication of stretchable, washable and breathable tTENGs for harvesting human motion energies. A plating stitch technique is employed to fabricate tTENGs using various common yarn materials and working in different modes (coplanar sliding mode and contact-separation mode). The tTENG can output voltage up to 232 V and power density up to 66.13 mW/m 2 . Furthermore, it can constantly power different wearable electronics by integrating with a small-size power management module, which converts the irregular AC output to a stable DC output and improves the energy utilization of tTENG. The stretchability, washability and air permeability of the tTENG are also demonstrated. These findings provide a practically viable textile-based power source that holds great promise in future self-powered wearable electronics and smart textiles. A stretchable, washable and breathable textile-based triboelectric nanogenerator is fabricated by a scalable knitting method for harvesting human motion energies, which can provide continuous power to different small electronics with the aid of a small-sized power management module. This work presents a feasible and practical power alternative for wearable electronics and E-textiles. • Scalable fabrication of stretchable, washable and breathable textile triboelectric nanogenerators (tTENG) is demonstrated. • The tTENG generates high electrical outputs by harvesting human motion energies. • The tTENG can constantly power different wearable electronics with the aid of a small-size power management module.

Scalable and washable 3D warp-knitted spacer power fabrics for energy harvesting and pressure sensing

Textile triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) that integrate the newly developed TENG science and traditional textile technology have attracted intense attentions, due to their broad potential applications in wearable power supply and self-powered sensors. However, the limited electrical output ability has greatly hindered the development of textile TENGs. Here, with the help of the advanced three-dimensional (3D) warp-knitted structure, a scalable and washable 3D warp-knitted spacer power fabric (3D-WSF) with high compression elasticity and enhanced power output is developed. Under the applied force of 20 N, the 3D-WSF can generate an open-circuit voltage of 32 V and a peak power density of 2.6 mW m−2, which is able to light up dozens of LEDs and charge capacitors. In addition, the 3D-WSF can also act as self-powered sensor that can monitor human motions, such as walking states and sitting postures. This work may provide an enlightening design idea for high output textile TENGs for potential applications in wearable micro/nano power sources, self-powered sensors, and human–machine interactive systems.

Acid and Alkali‐Resistant Textile Triboelectric Nanogenerator as a Smart Protective Suit for Liquid Energy Harvesting and Self‐Powered Monitoring in High‐Risk Environments

AbstractIndustrialization and anthropogenic activities are expected and unavoidable to consummate the current resources of humankind, which also lead to accidents in the laboratory, chemical plants, or other high risk areas that cause severe burns, or even casualties. Increased casualties in such accidents are due to inappropriate safety measures and prevention. Here, a smart anti‐chemical protective suit with a bio‐motion energy harvesting and self‐powered safety monitoring system is demonstrated, which can protect the body from chemical harm, detect sudden chemical spills, monitor human real‐time living signals, and trigger alarms in an emergency. Particularly, a fabric triboelectric nanogenerator (F‐TENG), which is fabricated by the all‐fiber single‐electrode triboelectric nanogenerator yarn (SETY), works as the basic elements of the intelligent suit. The SETY with core‐shell structured design shows a high sensitivity to the corrosive liquids including acids and alkalis. Furthermore, the working principle of the yarn based nanogenerator that is powered by contacting with acid liquid droplets is demonstrated for the first time. In addition, discretionary thickness, permeability, and any other functionalities are also achieved by taking advantage of the fabric structure. This self‐powered smart anti‐chemical protective suit equipped with a real time monitoring system will benefit the wearer who works in a very high‐risk environment.

Textile Triboelectric Nanogenerators Simultaneously Harvesting Multiple "High-Entropy" Kinetic Energies.

Distributed renewable kinetic energies are ubiquitous but with irregular amplitudes and frequencies, which, as one category of "high-entropy" energies, are crucial for next-generation self-powered electronics. Herein, we present a flexible waterproof dual-mode textile triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), which can simultaneously scavenge multiple "high-entropy" kinetic energies, including human motions, raindrops, and winds. A freestanding-mode textile TENG (F-TENG) and a contact-separation-mode textile TENG (CS-TENG) are integrated together. The structure parameters of the textile TENG are optimized to improve the output performances. The raindrop can generate a voltage of up to ∼4.3 V and a current of about ∼6 μA, while human motion can generate a voltage of over 120 V and a peak power density of ∼500 mW m-2. The scavenged electrical energies can be stored in capacitors for powering small electronics. Therefore, we demonstrated a facile preparation of a TENG-based energy textile that is highly promising for kinetic energy harvesting and self-powered electronics.

Rib Stitch Knitted Extremely Stretchable and Washable Textile Triboelectric Nanogenerator

AbstractIn recent years with developing wearable technologies, one of the challenges is energy consumption. Rechargeable or removable batteries are incompatible with wearable applications. Because the batteries are not flexible, foldable, stretchable, lightweight, and require substitutes or charges. Consequently, the best choice is self‐charging systems. The extremely stretchable and washable textile triboelectric nanogenerator (T‐TENG) is designed and fabricated in this work. It is knitted with a rib stitch technique by double twisted thread‐based. Subsequently, the rib stitch method is chosen to achieve the most stretchability and flexibility in this textile by investigating the knitting techniques. Likewise, the active triboelectric materials are polyvinyl chloride and polyamide 6. The maximum instantaneous peak power density is ≈18 mW m‐2 and the measured output voltage and current are 29.2 V and 5.3 μA, respectively. Following this, the experimental test report on the index finger, the relationship between textile tension and voltage production, and the resulting wash and durability tests are provided. This work successfully demonstrates T‐TENG quite compatible with self‐power wearable applications, which can harvest energy from the ambient mechanical tensions and capable of supply power for low power systems in wearable electronics.

Textile triboelectric nanogenerators for self-powered biomonitoring

Textile-based TENGs integrate wearable biomonitoring into commonly worn textiles, offering an inexpensive and convenient alternative with high breathability, wearing comfort, and scalability for personalized healthcare.

Hybrid PDMS-TiO2-stainless steel textiles for triboelectric nanogenerators

• Electrophoretic deposition is employed to prepare hybrid textiles for tTENGs. • The tTENG possesses V oc ~ 110 V, I sc ~ 30 μA, Q ~ 9nC and P ~ 1.05 W m −2 . • Real-time biomechanical energy harvesting is realized on the worn tTENG. • A wireless communication via infrared rays is achieved by the wearable tTENG. Electrophoretic deposition is employed to deposit flower-like TiO 2 (F-TiO 2 ) particles onto stainless steel textiles to obtain a Fe@F-TiO 2 /PDMS hybrid textile as the negative tribo-material. The electrophoresis process enables adjustable deposit amounts and three-dimensional and uniform deposits of flower TiO 2 . The textile triboelectric nanogenerators (tTENGs) fabricated from the Fe@F-TiO 2 /PDMS hybrid textile working in conjunction with cotton and silk exhibit excellent performances. The tTENG generates a voltage of 120 V, a current of 25 μA and an output power of 0.85 W m −2 with the cotton and 110 V, 30 μA and 1.05 W m −2 with the silk. The flower-like TiO 2 is significant for the high performance of the tTENG, being attributed to the tailored surface and improved permittivity. Wearable tTENGs exhibit good durability after 8,000 cycles and power 58 light emitting diodes. By utilizing the worn tTENG, real-time biomechanical energy harvesting is realized; furthermore, a wireless communication via infrared rays is achieved, confirmed by the successfully receiving of the wireless signal and lighting up of the indicator LED. This work demonstrates high-performance hybrid textiles prepared by electrophoretic deposition and tTENGs for applications in wearable real-time energy harvesters and wireless communication units.

High output triboelectric nanogenerator based on scotch tape for self-powered flexible electrics

ABSTRACT The development of wearable electronics has attracted wide publicity. However, conventional batteries will face environmental pollution and cyclic charging. In this work, we report a novel washable textile triboelectric nanogenerators (WT-TENG) based on the transparent tape film and the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film. The WT-TENG can still maintain stable output performance after being cleaned for many times. Meanwhile, due to the high hydrophobicity of the triboelectric materials, the WT-TENG has good humidity resistance. According to the results, the maximum Voc and Isc of WT-TENG (size: 3 cm × 3 cm) can reach 378 V and 63.6 µA, respectively. And the maximum output power can arrive at 3.325 mW. The WT-TENG can be directly used to drive some commercial light-emitting diodes (LEDs). With good stability, WT-TENG can harvest human motion mechanical energy. We think our work can open a new path for expanding self-powered wearable electronics.