Review on self-powered triboelectric textiles for wearable electronics

Significance Numerous energy conversion methods have evolved one after another to address the issue of energy supply for wearable electronic items as public demand for smart wear grows. Power plants' conventional energy delivery method is unsuitable for the development of functional electronics connected to wearable technology. The shortcomings in capacitance, safety risks, environmental risks, and inconvenience make rechargeable energy storage battery systems unsuitable for use in wearable electronics. Triboelectric textiles excel in low-frequency mechanical energy harvesting and self-driven sensors, making them a leader in the field of energy fabrics. Progress Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) based on contact electrification and electrostatic induction effects have proliferated since researchers introduced an energy transfer technique that transforms kinetic energy into electrical energy. Multiple preparation procedures for triboelectric fabrics have been increasingly refined as a result of extensive research and development on the functionality and application of TENG. Triboelectric textiles are categorized into two primary types based on variations in their macroscopic morphology: fiber structure and fabric structure. Triboelectric fiber is the fundamental building block of triboelectric textiles, as well as the cornerstone of scientific research and industrial transformation of triboelectric textiles. Triboelectric fibers fall into three types: yarn-based TENG, fabric-based TENG, and nonwoven-based TENG. Tribostatic charges in yarn based TENGs can be produced by contact electrification of a single fiber alone, without the need for external media. The fabric based TENG is easy to integrate with conventional clothes because of its broad variety of material alternatives and relatively basic construction. More atomic-level contact area is available for triboelectric electrification in nonwoven-based TENGs due to their greater specific surface area. Conclusion and Prospect There is still a long way to go before triboelectric textiles are used in commercial settings, despite tremendous advancements in theoretical research and practical demonstrations. The physical mechanism of contact electrification was addressed based on the theoretical basis of triboelectric technology to increase the energy conversion efficiency and comfortable and natural wearing feeling of triboelectric fabrics. The development in yarn-based TENGs, fabric-based TENGs, and nonwoven-based TENGs is outlined from the perspectives of materials, structures, operating modes, and functionality. Triboelectric fiber applications in flexible sensing, electronic skin, intelligent robots, and interactive devices are also discussed. The current obstacles and future potential for triboelectric textiles are highlighted to provide some theoretical reference for the high-value combination of triboelectric technology and the traditional textile sector. © 2024 China Textile Engineering Society. All rights reserved.