Bio‐Based and Recyclable Self‐Healing Elastomer for the Application of Self‐Powered Triboelectric Nanogenerator in Low‐Temperature

Abstract

The cracks in flexible triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) cannot naturally repair themselves during low‐temperature operation, which significantly restricts their practical applications. Yet, the development of elastomers capable of self‐repair at low temperatures has remained a formidable challenge. In this study, a dual dynamic cross‐linking network using multiple hydrogen bonds and β‐hydroxy esters is constructed to fabricate a fully bio‐based elastomer known as PLMBE. This elastomer can be stretched up to an impressive 1200% of its original length and possesses a remarkable autonomous self‐healing capability even under harsh conditions, including low temperatures (−10 °C, 12 h, with a 75% efficiency rate) and exposure to supercooled, high‐concentration saline (10% NaCl solution at −10 °C, 12 h, with a 64% efficiency rate). These remarkable properties are attributed to the elastomer's low glass transition temperature (Tg) of −30 °C and the abundance of hydrogen‐bonded supramolecular interactions. Importantly, this elastomer is highly suitable as a triboelectric layer for creating bio‐based TENG (Bio‐TENG) . These results demonstrate that Bio‐TENG can achieve an impressive output power density of 2.4 W m−2, and the output voltage recovers up to 95% after self‐healing at −10 °C. Consequently, these bio‐based elastomers have promising applications in various fields, including energy storage devices.

Highly Stretchable, Self-Healing, and Sensitive E-Skins at −78 °C for Polar Exploration

“…In addition, the molecular chains in S-UD are easier to move (Figure d), which can increase the dynamically sustained exchange and reorganization of H-bonds, leading to ultralow temperature-resistant self-healing. Compared to the self-healing elastomers reported in recent years, S-UD exhibits unique high stretchability and self-healing performance at −78 °C (Figure e). ,− …”

Fully Biobased Degradable Vitrimer Foams: Mechanical Robust, Catalyst-Free Self-Healing, and Shape Memory Properties

“…The abundant β-hydroxy ester and tertiary amine groups of the vitrimer foams facilitate dynamic transesterification and topological rearrangement at elevated temperatures . To investigate the capability of catalyst-free transesterification reactions, we conducted temperature-dependent stress relaxation experiments.…”

“…The abundant β-hydroxy ester and tertiary amine groups of the vitrimer foams facilitate dynamic transesterification and topological rearrangement at elevated temperatures. 50 To investigate the capability of catalyst-free transesterification reactions, we conducted temperature-dependent stress relaxation experiments. The stress relaxation curve showed that despite possessing a high chemical cross-linking, EPC-2 vitrimer foams were able to completely relax stress within the temperature range of 140 to 180 °C, indicating their remarkable ductility.…”