Breathable fabric-based triboelectric nanogenerators with open-porous architected polydimethylsiloxane coating for wearable applications

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), which can harvest low-frequency mechanical energy from human activities, are potential for wearable electronics, especially textile-based TENGs. Besides triboelectric performance, wearable comfort, like air permeability, is crucial for wearable electronics. However, the textile-based TENGs integrated with high performance and wearable comfort still remain challenging. Here, we construct the open porous architected PDMS coatings on fabric for breathable fabric-based TENG (oPF-TENG) based on the synergistic effect of insoluble NaCl, DBP and soluble silicone oil. The open porous structure constitutes the airflow channel with the air permeability of ∼73 mm/s. Meanwhile, the porous structure and the PVDF filler enhance the triboelectric output. The open circuit voltage, short circuit current and power density of oPF-TENG reach ∼600 V, ∼15 μA and 5.67 W/m2, respectively. The as-made oPF-TENG with good air permeability and triboelectric output can not only contribute to the human body energy harvesting but also show potential for wearable self-powered sensing.