All-fiber-based highly durable nanogenerator

Soft fiber-based electric power generators are attractive in meeting the requirements of wearable devices because of sufficient energy conversion performance, high durability and comfort. In this paper, we present a novel type of robust and durable all-fiber electric power nanogenerators for wearable applications. The nanogenerator, comprising a PVDF/NaNbO3nanofiber nonwoven fabric sandwiched between two electrically conducting knitted fabric electrodes, consistently produces a peak open-circuit voltage of 3.4 V and a peak current of 4.4 μA in cyclic compression test at 1Hz and maximum pressure of 0.2MPa, comparable to those of normal human walking motion. More importantly, the all-fiber nanogenerator retains its performance after 1,000,000 compression cycles, which is the highest number for this kind of generators. The robust soft fiber-based electric power generator is attractive because of its sufficient energy conversion performance, high durability and comfort to wearers. The new type of all-fiber nanogenerators demonstrates a great promise as a wearable energy harvester that converts mechanical energy of human movement into electricity.