Bioinspired self-driven realignment and healing in multilayer triboelectric generators enabled by reversibly actuated...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Wearable Electronics

Background:

• Self-healing flexible triboelectric generators (TEGs) offer potential for sustainable wearable electronics.
• Achieving complete functional recovery in multilayer TEGs is hindered by challenges in precise interlayer alignment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a bioinspired, self-healing TEG with dynamic layer-to-layer realignment capability.
• To overcome interlayer alignment challenges for enhanced functional recovery in multilayer TEGs.

Main Methods:

• A dynamic layer-to-layer realignment capability was engineered into a self-healing TEG.
• A reversibly actuated polyurethane (PU) substrate with a healable electrode and triboelectric layers was developed.
• The PU substrate's multiphase network was regulated for self-healing and two-way shape actuation (16.5% reversible strain).

Main Results:

• The PU substrate demonstrated exceptional self-healing and reversible actuation, generating force for layer realignment and geometric restoration.
• The developed TEG achieved over 97% structural and functional recovery, maintaining performance through multiple healing cycles.
• The self-healing TEG exhibited mechanical robustness and high electrical outputs, performing reliably under complex deformations and damage.

Conclusions:

• The developed bioinspired TEG offers a novel approach for durable, self-healing multilayer electronics.
• The dynamic layer-to-layer realignment capability ensures stable functional recovery, surpassing manual alignment.
• This technology paves the way for advanced self-powered sensors and sustainable wearable electronic devices.