Highly Surface-Embossed Polydimethylsiloxane-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators with Hierarchically Nanostructured Conductive Ni-Cu Fabrics

Abstract

Wearable fabric-based energy harvesters have continued to gain importance for use in portable consumer electronics as an ecofriendly energy source that is independently self-powered by various activities. Herein, we address the output features of highly flexible Ni-Cu fabric based triboelectric nanogenerators (F-TENG) employing surface-embossed polydimethylsiloxane (SE-PDMS) layers, as a crucial approach for enhancing power generation. Such SE-PDMS configurations were achieved via control of the ZnO nanowire (NW) and nanoflake (NF) frames initially prepared on bare Ni-Cu fabrics by a hydrothermal approach. The wearable SE-PDMS and Al-evaporated fabrics, respectively, served as triboelectric bottom and top materials in F-TENGs. Along with the structural analyses of the F-TENGs, the enhanced power generation of the F-TENGs was illustrated via the application of periodic mechanical stress using an adjustable bending machine. The present approach may provide a useful and simple route for developing self-powered, wearable, and smart electronics based on fabric substrates.