Robust Triboelectric E-Textile with Semi-bonded Bilayers for On-Skin Thermal Regulation and Self-Powered Motion Monitoring

Abstract

Wearable triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have emerged as a transformative technology for converting low-frequency mechanical energy into electrical power, offering promising applications in electronic skins, human–machine interfaces, and advanced healthcare systems. However, achieving structural robustness and multifunctionality in thermal regulation remains a persistent challenge for TENG-based skin electronics. This deficiency compromises the charge transfer efficiency and diminishes user comfort during prolonged wear. This study introduces a novel thermally regulating triboelectric nanogenerator (TR-TENG) in the form of a bilayer electronic textile (e-textile) fabricated through a semi-bonding assembly approach. The e-textile comprises two distinct layers: nonwoven styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) textiles loaded with highly reflective and electronegative polyvinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene (PVDF-TrFE) nanoparticles (NPs) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers embedded with emissive and electropositive SiO₂ NPs. These layers are merged via hot-press needle punching, creating a flexible, permeable yet robust interface capable of dual functionalities—enhanced solar reflection and efficient infrared emission—while maintaining stable triboelectric performance. When utilized as a skin-attachable self-powered motion sensor, this e-textile provides a remarkable passive radiative cooling effect and high-fidelity recognition of both high-frequency and subtle motions (swallowing, running, breathing, etc.). This TR-TENG e-textile presents a breakthrough in self-powered and comfortable electronics for next-generation healthcare technologies.

Keywords

Wearable triboelectric nanogenerators / Thermal managing e-textiles / Semi-bonding assembly / Passive radiative cooling / Human motion monitoring

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Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China(52373079)

Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(BK20221540)

State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials(KF2512)

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Donghua University, Shanghai, China