Triboelectric nanogenerators for wearable sensing applications: A system level analysis

A Review of Recent Advances in Human-Motion Energy Harvesting Nanogenerators, Self-Powering Smart Sensors and Self-Charging Electronics

“…To design TENG into wearable form with a high softness, flexibility/stretchability, washability and biocompatibility, different approaches have been made in the structural design. Depending on the architecture, TENG developed into configurations such as the following: Kirigami/origami structures—a kirigami structure is created during “folding” and “cutting”, whereas an origami structure is created by “folding” of the material (paper- or plastic-based) [ 24 ]. For example, Qi et al [ 106 ] developed a kirigami-inspired TENG where the friction layer was processed into the kirigami configuration with one or two degrees of freedom on a PET sheet by laser cutting technology.…”

“… Textile structures—fibre form, yarn form (converted from fibres) or fabric form (woven or knitted yarn)—1D, 2D or 3D structures that are easy to fabricate at low cost. They are designed to fit with the user’s body while providing functional properties and comfort [ 24 ]. Schematic examples of textile-based generators are shown in Figure 7 [ 79 ].…”

“…First of all, without encapsulation, cross-contamination by environmental pollutants is possible; they are sensitive to temperature and humidity fluctuations and are challenging to fabricate and integrate as a wearable device. Second, in many cases, they need to be externally powered, the efficiency is low, and the power generated is unreliable and inconsistent [ 24 ]. Even though the concept of biofuel cells (nowadays interchangeably named biobatteries) has been studied for many years, and there are some interesting articles about them [ 25 , 26 , 27 ], from our point of view, the actual application perspective and commercial use are still not within range.…”

“…The most commonly used thermoelectric materials are bismuth telluride (Bi 2 Te 3 ), antimony telluride (Sb 2 Te 3 ), zinc antimonite (ZnSb), and silicon germanium (SiGe). Recently, novel materials such as conjugated polymers PEDOT:PSS, polymers consisting of metal ions and ligands, carbon nanotubes and graphene have been introduced to enhance the output performance of generators [ 24 ]. The advantages of thermoelectric generators include low cost and maintenance, high reliability and longevity, scalability, and accessibility.…”

A Dual-Mode Flexible Sensor Based on the Combination of Triboelectric and Piezoresistive Sensing to Simultaneously Monitor Non-Contact/Contact Pressure

“…22−25 In 2012, the invention of the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) provided another powerful means for humans to monitor their surroundings through sensing devices. 26 The triboelectric nanogenerator is a new energy technology based on the principle of friction initiation and electrostatic induction, which can export the electric charge brought by the friction of the object to the external circuit in time and convert the mechanical energy into electric energy. It can be used not only as a power supply device but also as a sensing device.…”