Biomechanical energy harvest based on textiles used in self-powering clothing

Abstract

Advanced triboelectric nanogenerator techniques provide a massive opportunity for the development of new generation wearable electronics, which toward multi-function and self-powering. Textiles have been refreshed with the requirement of flexible electronics in recent decades. In particular, knitted-textiles have exhibited enormous and prominent potential possibilities for smart wearable devices, which are based on the merits of high stretchability, excellent elasticity, comfortability as well as compatibility. Combined knitted textiles with nanogenerator techniques will promote the knitted textile triboelectric nanogenerators (KNGs) emerging, endowing conventional textiles with biomechanical energy harvesting and sensing energy supplied abilities. However, the design of KNGs and the construction of KNGs are based on features of human motions symbolizing considerable challenges in both high efficiency and excellent comfort. Currently, this review is concerned with KNGs construction account of triboelectric effects referring to knitted-textile classifications, structural features, human motion energy traits, working mechanisms, and practical applications. Moreover, the remaining challenges of industrial production and the future prospects of knitted-textile triboelectric nanogenerators of harvesting biomechanical energy are presented.