Wearable, Machine Washable, Breathable Polyethylenimine/Sodium Alginate Layer-by-Layer-Coated Cotton-Based...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Textile Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Pristine cotton has limitations for wearable triboelectric nanogenerators, including susceptibility to bacteria, lack of antioxidant and UV protection, and poor triboelectric charge generation.
• Cotton's neutral position in the triboelectric series limits its performance against tribonegative materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance cotton fabric's properties for wearable triboelectric nanogenerators.
• To impart multifunctionalities including antibacterial, antioxidant, and UV protection.
• To improve triboelectric charge generation and durability.

Main Methods:

• A facile layer-by-layer deposition of polyethylenimine (PEI) and sodium alginate (SA) on cotton fabric.
• Fabric characterization for comfort, breathability, and flexibility.
• Testing of triboelectric performance, including power density, open-circuit voltage, and short-circuit current.
• Evaluation of antibacterial, antioxidant, UV-protective, and moisture management properties.
• Assessment of durability through 50 home laundering cycles.

Main Results:

• The modified cotton fabric retained breathability, flexibility, and comfort.
• Enhanced triboelectric output was achieved, with the fabric becoming more tribopositive.
• A triboelectric nanogenerator using modified cotton and polyester achieved a maximum power density of 338 mW/m².
• The modified fabric demonstrated excellent antibacterial, antioxidant, and UV-protective properties.
• Durability was confirmed, with performance retained after 50 laundering cycles.

Conclusions:

• The layer-by-layer method provides a simple and effective approach to creating multifunctional cotton fabrics.
• Modified cotton exhibits significantly improved triboelectric performance and durability.
• The enhanced fabric is suitable for advanced applications in wearable energy harvesting devices.
• The developed material offers a promising solution for overcoming the limitations of pristine cotton in triboelectric nanogenerators.