Core-Shell Fiber-Based 2D Woven Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Effective Motion Energy Harvesting

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Wearable Technology

Background:

• Personal electronic devices are trending towards miniaturization, increased functionality, and wearability.
• Wireless, sustainable, and independent device operation necessitates novel power technologies capable of harvesting ambient environmental energy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a new type of 2D woven wearable triboelectric nanogenerator (2DW-WTNG).
• To demonstrate the device's capability to convert body motion into electrical energy.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of 2DW-WTNG using core-shell fibers through twisting and weaving textile manufacturing processes.
• Characterization of the electrical output (current, voltage, power density) under mechanical stimulation.
• Assessment of energy harvesting from small human movements and device durability.

Main Results:

• The 2DW-WTNG demonstrated an output current of 575 nA and an output voltage of 6.35 V.
• A maximum power density of 2.33 mW/m² was achieved at an external load of 50 MΩ.
• The device efficiently harvested energy from small displacements (0.4 mm) and operated continuously for 12 hours without significant performance degradation.

Conclusions:

• The developed 2DW-WTNG is a robust and efficient solution for harvesting kinetic energy from human motion.
• This technology holds promise for powering sustainable and independent wearable electronic devices.