Recent Progresses in Wearable Triboelectric Nanogenerators
Dumindu G. Dassanayaka, Tiago M. Alves, Nandula D. Wanasekara, Ishara Dharmasena, J. Ventura
Abstract
Abstract Integrating electronics with clothing and the human body to support people's lifestyle is quickly becoming a reality. Some of these electronics, including health sensors, communication devices, and personal electronics, contain the potential to revolutionize life in the future. One of the most demanding aspects of such electronic designs is their power supply systems, which necessitate not only a continuous power supply, but also wearable characteristics and durability, which many conventional power‐supply methods have failed to fulfill. The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), which depends on static charging between materials, can convert mechanical vibrations into electricity. TENGs are foreseen as a leading candidate to power wearable electronics due to their advantages such as high instantaneous power outputs and efficiency, low cost, ease of fabrication, lightweight, and wearability. This paper is a comprehensive review on the most prominent wearable TENG categories; textiles‐based TENGs for clothing applications, footwear‐incorporated TENG designs, and other TENG accessories. Herein, the most important developments in these categories, with a focus on their materials, fabrication, features, advantages, and drawbacks, are examined. Finally, a detailed analysis is provided on the main challenges impeding the progress of wearable TENGs with the insights into potential improvement techniques, targeting the widespread commercialization of this technology.