Reflections on boosting wearable triboelectric nanogenerator performance via interface optimisation

Gokhool, S., Bairagi, S., Kumar, C. and Mulvihill, D. M. (2023) Reflections on boosting wearable triboelectric nanogenerator performance via interface optimisation. Results in Engineering, 17, 100808. (doi: 10.1016/j.rineng.2022.100808)

Abstract

An increasing need to harness power from our surroundings has led researchers to delve into the concept of green energy production from our environment. Textile and wearable triboelectric nanogenerators (t-TENGs or w-TENGs) are a promising option in this regard. Textile and wearable triboelectric nanogenerators can convert mechanical energy present in fabric movements into electrical power using modified textile materials or alternative base materials (such as polyester, PDMS, silicone, etc.). These devices are intended to be mounted on garments or directly on the skin making them highly portable, but could also be installed in any other areas where mechanical energy is present (shoes, floor, bag packs etc.). They have proven to be capable of generating sufficient energy to power some low power devices and sensors. A key present limitation for textile TENGs is their low output compared to non-textile film based TENGs. In this review, we reflect on the task of boosting textile TENG performance via interface modification. Specifically, the paper surveys the improvements that have been possible via surface modification of textiles using different metals or metal oxides and plasma processes. Finally, some key areas are highlighted from a tribology and contact mechanics perspective that may have the potential to lead to further significant enhancements in performance; namely, designing fabric interfaces to boost contact area.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: The authors acknowledge the support of the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) for funding and supporting the work through grant Ref. EP/V003380/1 (‘Next Generation Energy Autonomous Textile Fabrics based on Triboelectric Nanogenerators’).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Mulvihill, Dr Daniel and Kumar, Dr Charchit and Bairagi, Dr Satyaranjan
• Authors: Gokhool, S., Bairagi, S., Kumar, C., and Mulvihill, D. M.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
• Journal Name: Results in Engineering
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 2590-1230
• ISSN (Online): 2590-1230
• Published Online: 30 November 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Results in Engineering 17: 100808
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
308617		Next Generation Energy Autonomous Textile Fabrics based on Triboelectric Nanogenerators	Daniel Mulvihill	Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)	EP/V003380/1	ENG - Electronics & Nanoscale Engineering