Mechanically and environmentally stable triboelectric nanogenerator based on high-strength and anti-compression self-healing ionogel

Using supramolecular chemistry to develop ionogels that can restore their mechanical performance and functionality is of great interest for flexible electronic applications. In particular, self-healing ionogels with high strength and compression resistance are highly attractive for the fabrication of self-healing triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) as the power supply for next-generation electronics. Herein, ZnO nanoparticle-reinforced poly(acrylic acid)-based self-healing ionogels are synthesized with high mechanical strength, compression resistance, transparency, good ionic conductivity, and a wide operating temperature range. By sandwiching the self-healing ionogel between 3 M tape, a self-healing ionogel-based TENG (SI-TENG) with a high output power density of 3.15 W m−2 is obtained. Due to the excellent mechanical robustness and environmental stability of the self-healing ionogel, the SI-TENG exhibits a reliable electrical output performance in the range of − 30–80 °C after being folded, twisted, stretched, and trampled. Thus, the SI-TENG can be used to harvest energy from human motions such as tapping, walking, and running. After mechanical damage, the SI-TENG can be healed at room temperature to completely restore its electrical output performance, ensuring its longevity and reliability.