Recent Advances in Functional Fiber-Based Wearable Triboelectric Nanogenerators

The quality of human life has improved thanks to the rapid development of wearable electronics. Previously, bulk structures were usually selected for the fabrication of high performance electronics, but these are not suitable for wearable electronics due to mobility limitations and comfortability. Fibrous material-based triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) can provide power to wearable electronics due to their advantages such as light weight, flexibility, stretchability, wearability, etc. In this work, various fiber materials, multiple fabrication methods, and fundamentals of TENGs are described. Moreover, recent advances in functional fiber-based wearable TENGs are introduced. Furthermore, the challenges to functional fiber-based TENGs are discussed, and possible solutions are suggested. Finally, the use of TENGs in hybrid devices is introduced for a broader introduction of fiber-based energy harvesting technologies.

Automated summary

The rapid development of wearable electronics has improved the quality of human life. Fibrous material-based triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are lightweight, flexible, and stretchable, making them suitable for providing power to wearable electronics. This article describes various fiber materials, fabrication methods, and the fundamentals of TENGs, as well as recent advances in functional fiber-based TENGs.