A Review of Recent Development of Wearable Triboelectric Nanogenerators Aiming at Human Clothing for Energy Conversion

Research in the field of wearable triboelectric generators is increasing, and pioneering research into real applications of this technology is a growing need in both scientific and industry research. In addition to the two key characteristics of wearable triboelectric generators of flexibility and generating friction, features such as softness, breathability, washability, and wear resistance have also attracted a lot of attention from the research community. This paper reviews wearable triboelectric generators that are used in human clothing for energy conversion. The study focuses on analyzing fabric structure and examining the integration method of flexible generators and common fibers/yarns/textiles. Compared to the knitting method, the woven method has fewer restrictions on the flexibility and thickness of the yarn. Remaining challenges and perspectives are also investigated to suggest how to bring fully generated clothing to practical applications in the near future.

Automated summary

Research on wearable triboelectric generators is rapidly increasing, and there is a growing need for pioneering research into practical applications in both scientific and industry fields. In addition to flexibility and friction generation, other factors such as softness, breathability, washability, and wear resistance have also received significant attention in the research community. This paper reviews the use of wearable triboelectric generators in human clothing for energy conversion, with a focus on fabric structure analysis and integration methods with common fibers/yarns/textiles. The woven method shows fewer restrictions on yarn flexibility and thickness compared to the knitting method. Remaining challenges and future perspectives are also discussed to guide the development of fully functional smart clothing in the near future.