Sustainable energy potentials of textile-based triboelectric generators through simulation of real usage conditions

Abstract

Over the last years, the use of eco-friendly and human skin-friendly regular textile materials has been of high interest in building textile-based triboelectric generators (TEGs). However, although the triboelectricity phenomenon can be commonly experienced when simply removing a cloth, most of the research applies considerable force loads between the triboelectric surfaces, a condition that is not met on garments. In this study, the primary objective was to compare the triboelectric potentials of six selected textile samples of identical knitting patterns, but different materials under a number of repeated cycles of contact, sliding, and separation, as they would behave if they were parts of a TEG on a garment under real usage conditions. All the sample combinations provided firmly different voltage outputs following exponential increases until they reached different plateaus of saturation. This work wishes to help toward the use of ordinary, eco-friendly, and human skin-friendly textile materials as options for wearable TEGs on garments.

Graphical abstract

Highlights

This study investigates the triboelectric potentials of regular textiles in wearable energy generators, comparing different materials under real-world conditions to explore their effectiveness in generating voltage through natural movements.

Discussion

Why develop a versatile triboelectric generator prototype that imitates garment usage in real-life scenarios such as by a walking person? What distinct advantages does this approach offer?

What motion should be executed by a triboelectric generator device to imitate the natural movements on the garment of a walking human? How does this mechanism introduce friction into the prevalent vertical contact separation mode of triboelectric generators?

How can we compare the triboelectric outcomes across various samples of textile materials as if they were used under real conditions?

What are the potentials of using regular knitted fabrics in wearable triboelectric generators?