High performance open-porous-structured fabric-based triboelectric nanogenerators for energy harvesting and wearable application

The rapid evolution of wearable technology has led to an increasing demand for sustainable power sources such as triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) that is capable of harvesting bio-mechanical energy from human motion. However, the integration of TENGs into textile-based systems poses substantial challenges, particularly in achieving high electric output and while preserving wearer comfort. In this study, we introduce a novel architected open-porous polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) coated BaTiO₃-based TENG (oPB-TENG), fabricated via a simple, economical method. The distinctive open-porous architecture significantly enhances the contact-separation area, thereby promoting more efficient charge transfer. The oPB-TENG, leveraging the synergistic effects of insoluble NaCl and soluble silicone oil together with BaTiO₃ filler, achieves remarkable electric performance, demonstrating output voltage of 912 V, short-circuit current of 20.8 μA, and power density of 2.89 W/m², which are much higher than most existing fabric-based TENGs. Moreover, the oPB-TENG exhibits excellent mechanical robustness and washability, maintaining electric output after ten laundering cycles and withstanding over 30,000 contact-separation cycles without notable degradation. Furthermore, oPB-TENG was assembled in an insole that could detect various human motions. The superior energy harvesting capability and durability of oPB-TENG demonstrate a significant potential for future applications in self-powered wearable electronics and motion sensing.