Progress in textile-based triboelectric nanogenerators for smart fabrics

Textile-based triboelectric nanogenerators (t-TENGs) are excellent choices of mechanical energy harvesting and self-powered sensing for wearable technology, especially for constructing smart fabrics. They combine advantages of textile for its flexibility, breathability, lightweight and TENG for its ease of fabrication and promising output performance. Many progresses have been made due to the surging interests. In this review, we will introduce the construction of t-TENGs briefly at first, including three dominant types of device structure and the new emerging design based on three-dimensionally textile. Investigation about the effect of textile processing method (weaving, knitting, sewing, etc.) and structure pattern on the t-TENG's performance is reviewed for further understanding and optimizing the device. Several great demonstrations about the washability and tailorability of t-TENGs are presented based on elevated material properties and rational device design, which is long-cherished for wearable electronics. Finally, the article ends with reviewing progresses in integrations of t-TENGs with other energy harvesting/storing technology for a more powerful textile energy source and construction of smart fabrics with diverse functions for emerging applications in wearable technologies.