Large-scale Fabrication of Robust Textile Triboelectric Nanogenerators

In this study, a textile-based triboelectric nanogenerator (t-TENG) is proposed through a facile and universal fabrication process. Liquid-metal/polymer core/shell fibers (LCFs) structure as the basic unit of TENG textiles, can be extensively achieved by pumping liquid metal into uniform ultrafine polymer hollow fibers, which contribute to the large-scale industrialized production of TENG textiles. In addition to gaining a high output, the t-TENG demonstrates excellent acid and alkali resistance, and high friction durability. Furthermore, profiting from the universal fabrication process, the polymer hollow fibers can be replaced by any type of fibers with various functions or colors according to practical applications (e.g., the silicone rubber could be an excellent choice for highly stretchable devices). Moreover, the fabricated t-TENGs demonstrate great capability in self-powered sensors for smart home controlling. All these advantages of the t-TENG exhibit its great potential for further application in wearable electronics and artificial intelligence and it will speed up the development of IoTs in the near future.Graphical abstractThe robust textile based triboelectric nanogenerators, which are constructed by soft liquid metal and ultrafine polymer hollow fibers through a simple pumping strategy, can be large-scale manufactured. The t-TENG based energy harvester possesses high electric output, excellent acid and alkali resistance, and high friction durability. It can be ap...

Source: Nano Energy - February 13, 2020 Category: Nanotechnology Source Type: research