3D Orthogonal Woven Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Effective Biomechanical Energy Harvesting and as Self‐Powered Active Motion Sensors

TLDR

Wearable energy‑harvesting textiles hold promise for next‑generation electronics, yet conventional designs are limited by low power output. The authors fabricated a 3D orthogonal woven triboelectric nanogenerator using stainless steel/polyester blended yarn, PDMS‑coated harvesting yarn, and nonconductive binding yarn, and demonstrated its use in a smart dancing blanket that simultaneously harvests biomechanical energy and senses body motion. The 3D textile TENG achieved a peak power density of 263.36 mW m⁻² at 3 Hz—several times higher than 2D counterparts—enabling it to light a warning indicator, charge a commercial capacitor, power a smartwatch, and serve as a self‑powered motion sensor, opening avenues for multifunctional wearable electronics, home security, and personalized healthcare.

Abstract

The development of wearable and large-area energy-harvesting textiles has received intensive attention due to their promising applications in next-generation wearable functional electronics. However, the limited power outputs of conventional textiles have largely hindered their development. Here, in combination with the stainless steel/polyester fiber blended yarn, the polydimethylsiloxane-coated energy-harvesting yarn, and nonconductive binding yarn, a high-power-output textile triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) with 3D orthogonal woven structure is developed for effective biomechanical energy harvesting and active motion signal tracking. Based on the advanced 3D structural design, the maximum peak power density of 3D textile can reach 263.36 mW m-2 under the tapping frequency of 3 Hz, which is several times more than that of conventional 2D textile TENGs. Besides, its collected power is capable of lighting up a warning indicator, sustainably charging a commercial capacitor, and powering a smart watch. The 3D textile TENG can also be used as a self-powered active motion sensor to constantly monitor the movement signals of human body. Furthermore, a smart dancing blanket is designed to simultaneously convert biomechanical energy and perceive body movement. This work provides a new direction for multifunctional self-powered textiles with potential applications in wearable electronics, home security, and personalized healthcare.