High-Performance Flexible Magnetic Textile Fabricated Using Porous Juncus effusus Fiber for Biomechanical Energy Harvesting

Mechanical energy produced by human motion is ubiquitous, continuous, and usually not utilized, making it an attractive target for sustainable electricity-harvesting applications. In this study, flexible magnetic-Juncus effusus (M-JE) fibers were prepared from plant-extracted three-dimensional porous Juncus effusus (JE) fibers decorated with polyurethane and magnetic particles. The M-JE fibers were woven into fabrics and used for mechanical energy harvesting through electromagnetic induction. The M-JE fabric and induction coil, attached to the human wrist and waist, yielded continuous and stable voltage (2 V) and current (3 mA) during swinging. The proposed M-JE fabric energy harvester exhibited good energy harvesting potential and was capable of quickly charging commercial capacitors to power small electronic devices. The proposed M-JE fabric exhibited good mechanical energy harvesting performance, paving the way for the use of natural plant fibers in energy-harvesting fabrics. © 2024 THE AUTHORS