Flame-Retardant Textile-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Fire Protection Applications

Abstract

Textile-based triboelectric nanogenerators (T-TENGs), combining the functions of energy harvesting and self-powered sensing with advantages of breathability and flexibility, have received intensive attention, which is vital to the rapid advancements in smart textiles. However, there exists few reports of T-TENGs applied to fires under the intelligent era of high requirements for devices with versatility and multiscenario practicability. Here, in combination with flame-retardant conductive cotton fabric, polytetrafluoroethylene-coated cotton fabric, and a divider, a low-cost and environmentally friendly flame-retardant textile-based triboelectric nanogenerator (FT-TENG) is developed, which is endowed with excellent fire resistance and outstanding energy harvesting capabilities. The cotton fabrics treated with a layer-by-layer self-assembly method show great self-extinguishing performance. Besides, the maximum peak power density of the FT-TENG can reach 343.19 mW/m2 under the tapping frequency of 3 Hz. Furthermore, the FT-TENG still keeps 49.2% of the initial electrical output even after being burned at 17 different positions; 34.48% of the electrical output is also retained when the FT-TENG is exposed to 220 °C. Moreover, the FT-TENGs are successfully applied as energy harvesters for firefighters and self-powered sensors for forest self-rescue and fire alarm systems. This work may provide a promising potential for multifunctional smart textiles in energy harvesting, self-powered sensing, and life or property security.

Smart Textile Triboelectric Nanogenerators: Prospective Strategies for Improving Electricity Output Performance

“…In general, these strategies can be broadly divided into two categories, including direct output DC through other physical effects (tribovoltaic effect and dielectric breakdown effect) and various rectifier devices (rectifier bridge and mechanical switch). Choosing commercial electronic rectifier bridges, including full-wave and half-wave rectification, is the most widely used method of converting AC signals into DC output, which is undoubtedly the most convenient and low-cost method [130,[146][147][148]. However, as a member of electronic devices, the electronic rectifier bridge will inevitably consume extra energy when it is working, which cannot be underestimated for the TENG with low energy output.…”

Recent Advances in Multiresponsive Flexible Sensors towards E‐skin: A Delicate Design for Versatile Sensing

“…[92,227] Additionally, flame-retardancy is a newly considered factor in flexible sensing system owing to the possible combustion of flexible substrate materials, which has great influence on life and property safety. [58,280] It should be noted that EMI is a beneficial property for some wearable electronics for eliminating or reducing electromagnetic irradiation. [116] It is noteworthy that therapeutic capabilities imparted into flexible sensors are another promising frontier in wearable sensors which could enable direct supply of some assistant diagnosis and therapy when human body gets hurt.…”

Graphene oxide/chitosan nano‐coating with ultrafast fire‐alarm response and flame‐retardant property

“…9,10 The intelligent coating is introduced into the fire prevention field of traditional building materials, and various matrixes are endowed with an intelligent response function to make them actively respond to fire. 11,12 It will greatly improve the safety of buildings and have great research significance to protect the security of life and personal property. On the one hand, the amount of required flame retardant can be greatly reduced by constructing the nanocoating on the substrates, which can avoid the deteriorated mechanical properties of polymer matrixes.…”