Influence of the Fabric Topology on the Performance of a Textile-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Self-Powered Monitoring

Abstract

The fibrous surface of textiles offers a larger contact area and continuous contact with the skin, which makes them a prominent candidate for biomechanical energy harvesting using the triboelectric nanogenerator principle. Herein, a lightweight, comfortable, and robust wearable triboelectric nanogenerator (W-TENG) device is fabricated for its application in self-powered technologies. The TENG output is enhanced via a three-way process: using a textured yarn and modifying the textile material and its structural variation in fabric. The triboelectric performance is correlated to the surface morphology, roughness, and dielectric properties. The current research compares woven and knitted fabric triboelectric nanogenerators using nylon, cotton, polypropylene (PP), and polyester. The surface roughness of the different textile materials and the irregular surface morphology of woven and knitted structures are studied using a threedimensional (3D) optical profilometer. It is observed that the convolutions on the PP and nylon yarn and the 3D configuration of knitted fabric impart higher roughness than their woven counterpart providing a larger contact area. The higher contact area between the nylon/PP pair of knitted fabric has shown 240.55, 64.96, and 460% increments in voltage, current, and power density, respectively, compared to the woven W-TENG. The knitted fabric-based TENG has additionally demonstrated improved breathability and suitability to generate electrical energy from various human motions.

Highly Comfortable and Durable Single-Layer Knitted Textile-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Smart Wearable Applications

“…The triboelectric performance of TENG is primarily affected by the dielectric characteristics, contact area, surface roughness, frictional properties between the layer, and structural arrangement of the dielectric and conductive components in the system. ,, The aforementioned parameters were evaluated using different characterization techniques. The dielectric and dissipation factors of individual tribo structures are depicted in Figure .…”

“…The inherent surface roughness created by the knitted loop plays a significant role in the performance of TENGs as discussed in our previous study . The 3D loop profile produces texture and irregularities on the textile surface thereby improving the effective contact and separation between materials which promote the generation of electrostatic charges . A wide exploration of knitted structures in terms of surface roughness was conducted by sandwiching triboelectric and electrode materials revealing arrangement of face and back loop affects the effective contact area. , However, the integrated structure has the potential to utilize a wide range of surface roughness and contact areas, necessitating extensive investigation.…”

“…The metal wire blended yarn, 25,26 metal coated 27 or plated fabric are being used as an electrode material which is integrated using coating, 27 adhesion onto textiles, 28 stitching, 29 sandwiching 24,30 and direct integration. 20,29,31 The textiles are utilized as a substrate for TENGs due to their ability to support the deposition and integration of functional materials. 32,33 There were several different techniques being employed, including layer-by-layer coating, 34 electroless and chemical vapor deposition, 35 and printing.…”

Humidity-Resistant, Conductive Fabric-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Efficient Energy Harvesting and Human–Machine Interaction Sensing

“…Qu et al constructed patterned AgNWs electrodes on fabric by screen printing technique and vacuum filtration method to make the TENG flexible and stretchable. Somkuwar et al studied several commonly used textiles to fabricate different textile-based TENGs by weaving and knitting principles and explored the effects of dielectric properties and surface roughness on output performance. Fabric-based TENGs have been widely studied, but their poor environmental adaptability and insufficient high output performance are still great challenges that fabric-based TENGs are currently facing.…”

Fully stretchable textile-based triboelectric nanogenerators with crepe-paper-induced surface microstructures

“…Somkuwar's work 28 proposed a breathable-fabric-based TENG with an open-porosity polydimethylsiloxane coating. To enhance the triboelectric performance and wearable comfort, sacrificial templates, including insoluble NaCl, DBP, and soluble silicone oil, were applied to synergistically construct open porous structures.…”