Liquid Metal and Silver Nanowires Synergic Network-Enabled Triboelectric Fiber for Strain-Insensitive Multifunctional Applications

Abstract

Fibrous triboelectric devices with self-powered sensing capability receive tremendous attention in wearable applications, yet are still facing dual challenges of instable electrode conductivity and limited triboelectric charge density in practical application scenarios. Here, a multifunctional triboelectric fiber with ultra-high strain insensitivity and great sensitivity is proposed through a liquid metal (LM)–silver nanowires (Ag NWs) synergic network strategy. On the one hand, the three-dimensional conductive network formed by Ag NWs bridging LM microdroplets effectively addresses the issue of resistance fluctuations in traditional fibrous electrodes under large deformations, exhibiting exceptionally high conductivity of up to 1.07 × 10⁵S/m when stretched to 740%. Notably, Ag NWs-induced stress concentration, coupled with driven capillary action, can easily induce the rupture of the oxide layer on the LM surface under low stress and simplify the activation process inherent to classic LM-based electrodes. On the other hand, by utilizing the charge-trapping effect and dielectric optimization design induced by LM and Ag NWs doping, the triboelectric output is significantly enhanced with high sensitivity and linearity. Benefiting from its excellent stretchability, conductivity, and triboelectric output performance, the triboelectric fiber can then be applied for strain-insensitive multifunctional applications, including building a smart glove for virtual interaction, kinetic energy harvesting, Joule heating, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, opening up a new path for next-generation smart textiles.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords

Triboelectric fibers / Multifunctionality / Liquid metal / Silver nanowires / Strain insensitive

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Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China(62301150)

National Key R&D Program of China(2022YFB3603403)

Southeast University Interdisciplinary Research Program for Young Scholars(2024FGC1007)

Start-up Research Fund of Southeast University(RF1028623164)

SEU Innovation Capability Enhancement Plan for Doctoral Students(CXJH_SEU 25112)

Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(2242024K40015；2242025F10007)

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