Fabric-rebound triboelectric nanogenerators with loops and layered structures for energy harvesting and intelligent wireless monitoring of human motions

Abstract

Self-powered electronic textiles (e-textiles) and triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have been explored for the development of energy-harvesting facilities which provide sustainable power supplements for portable, wearable, and low-energy electronics. However, it requires the features of excellent structural stability and superior capability in sensing applications. In this study, we present and develop a new kind of fabric-rebound triboelectric nanogenerator (FR-TENG) that could be used for efficient energy harvesting and self-powered sensing. For improvement of electric performance, a systematic study has also been carried out to investigate various structural parameters for the property optimization of FR-TENGs. The as-made FR-TENG has shown stable electric performance in energy harvesting, cyclic washing capability, and mechanical durability. The full-textile structure of FR-TENG enhances its adaptability and rebound ability, and the open-circuit voltage, short circuit current and power density of the FR-TENG reach up to 418.09 V, 65.85 μA and 199.14 μW⋅cm−2, respectively. Furthermore, the FR-TENGs are used as smart carpets to build up a self-powered, wireless and intelligent system for monitoring human motions. This study proposes a new perspective for an all-textile TENGs and shows the advanced human-machine software interface in sensing applications.