Highly deformable triboelectric nanogenerators fabricated using high-dielectric elastomers and double-network ionic hydrogels for use in energy harvesting and motion sensing

The development of wearable technology is of considerable interest. Thus, the development of conformal, deformable energy sources to power wearable devices is required. Soft triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), which convert mechanical motion into electrical energy, receive significant attention owing to their potential to power wearable devices. This study presents a highly stretchable TENG comprising a double-network ionic hydrogel swollen in lithium chloride and Ecoflex containing highly dielectric materials as an electrode and a triboelectric layer, respectively. These ionic hydrogels exhibit remarkable levels of stretchability and high conductivities of ≤ 452 % and 1.71 × 10⁻¹ S cm⁻¹, respectively, serving as deformable electrodes in the TENGs. The resulting TENG generates an exceptional power density of 2.15 W m⁻² and exhibits high deformability, withstanding ≤ 400 % bending, twisting, and stretching. Notably, the device maintains deformed functionality, producing approximately 100 V at 100 % stretching. Additionally, it functions as a motion sensor, detecting various movements of the human body, such as joint flexion and gait, paving the way for using self-powered, conformable devices in healthcare monitoring and personal electronics.