Simply Structured Wearable Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on a Hybrid Composition of Carbon Nanotubes and Polymer Layer

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have proven to be a robust power source for efficiently converting environmental mechanical energy into electricity. Triboelectric technology experienced substantial growth in the past few years, especially in the field of green wearable power sources as the Internet of Things develops. However, it is still difficult to overcome some remaining bottlenecks for wearable TENGs, such as limited choice of materials, unsafe metal electrodes, complex structures, and finally an insufficient electrical output. In this work, we present a simply structured wearable TENG that delivers usable electric power based on human motion. The form of TENG, which combines a friction material of silk and an electrode material of carbon nanotube (CNT) in liquid phase to achieve a biodegradable conductive mixing friction layer is new and unique. A series of delicate investigative experiments were conducted to clarify the impacts of various parameters and their optimal values in the fabrication. Then the special mixing layer was attached to a glove and tested with various daily actions, showing high potential as a power source for wearable electronics and as a motion sensor itself. This new form of CNT-silk TENG will push the field’s development toward actual use, with lower cost and less burden for both of production and usage, with the advanced features of high softness, high sensibility, light weight, and simple structure.