Journal of Textile Research ›› 2025, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (05): 41-48.doi: 10.13475/j.fzxb.20250104302

• Invited Column: Intelligent Fiber and Fabric Device • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Strategies for enhancing performance of novel mechano-electric conversion fibers based on contact electrification effect

CHEN Xiao1, ZHAO Jizhong1,2, DONG Kai1,2()   

  1. 1. Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101400, China
    2. School of Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
  • Received:2025-01-06 Revised:2025-02-05 Online:2025-05-15 Published:2025-06-18
  • Contact: DONG Kai E-mail:dongkai@binn.cas.cn

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Abstract:

Significance Mechano-electric conversion fibers (MECFs) represent a development in smart fiber materials, merging the novel field of triboelectric technologies with conventional wearable fibers and textiles. This integration enhances the functionality of autonomous power supply for wearable electronics. The significance of MECFs also lies in their potential to revolutionize smart sensing, including healthcare, sports, and personal electronics, by providing a sustainable self-powered sensing signals. However, the realization of MECF's potential faces challenges such as low energy conversion efficiency and output power density. Addressing these limitations is crucial for unlocking MECF's capabilities in energy supplements and human-body wearable applications, where reliable and continuous power supply is essential for the effective operation of sensors and other electronic devices. This research underscores the importance of enhancing electrical output performance through innovative material selection, structural design, and energy management strategies, paving the way for more efficient and versatile wearable devices.
Progress Recent advancements in MECFs have made significant strides towards overcoming the inherent limitations of these materials, particularly focusing on improving their mechanical-electric conversion performance. A key area of progress involves the selection and modification of polymer materials, whose intrinsic properties are pivotal in determining MECF's overall efficiency. By applying chemical and physical modifications, researchers have been able to adjust or enhance the material components, surface characteristics and conductivity of polymers, thereby increasing their ability to generate electricity from mechanical movements. Another critical development has been the introduction of multidimensional fiber or fabric structures designed to maximize the effective contact area between electrification materials. These designs not only increase the amount of interfacial charge transfer but also improve the durability and flexibility of MECFs, making them more suitable for integration into wearable devices. Furthermore, addressing the need for long-term, sustainable power supply on human surfaces, advanced power management systems is also essential. These systems convert the MECF's high-voltage, low-current alternating current (AC) output typical into a regulated direct current (DC) form, ensuring compatibility with wearable electronics while minimizing energy loss. Such innovations have demonstrated the feasibility of MECFs in self-powered wearable sensing technologies, highlighting their potential for broader applications and marking a significant advancement in the field.
Conclusion and Prospect The culmination of current research efforts indicates substantial progress in enhancing the performance of MECFs, yet challenges remain regarding their practical application and scalability. Material research should focus on developing new polymers through surface grafting, component doping, and microstructure design to achieve higher charge density and stable output performance while maintaining flexibility and comfort for long-term wear. Structural optimization has shown that three-dimensional (3-D) MECFs hold greater potential than traditional two-dimensional (2-D) fabrics by virtut of increased contact area, improved charge transfer efficiency, stability, and protective capabilities, which are crucial for high-performance applications. Additionally, bio-inspired designs, multifunctional integration, and personalized customization via 3D printing can enhance the versatility and user experience of MECFs. Intelligent voltage regulation systems capable of dynamically adjusting to input voltage and current changes will further optimize MECFs performance. Looking forward, MECF's application in healthcare monitoring, human-machine interaction, and smart homes showcases their immense potential when combined with IoT and AI technologies. Overall, future developments in material innovation, structural optimization, and power management are set to propel MECFs towards smarter, more flexible solutions, offering enhanced convenience and efficiency in wearable energy and sensing technologies.

Key words: contact electrification, mechano-electric conversion fiber, triboelectric nanogenerator, energy management, multi-dimensional structure design, intelligent textile

CLC Number: 

  • TS102
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