3D printed gradient porous fabric-based thermal and moisture regulating composite integrated triboelectric nanogenerator for human motion cognizance

Abstract

Advancements in flexible textile-based smart wearable electronics, fortified with thermal regulation and energy management functionalities have captured substantial attention. However, integrating thermal management with triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) in wearable device through proper tailoring of properties is challenging. In this study, we developed a hydrophilic-hydrophobic porous woven Kevlar (WKF) composite with distinct gradient pores distributed throughout it. Vanadium-doped zirconium oxide nanowires were synthesized directly onto the WKF. The composite fabrication involved a novel and rapid three-dimensional printing technique, for the first time, which merges innovative radiative, wick-evaporation cooling and TENG principles synergistically. The composite's ability to reflect a high percentage of solar irradiance (95.6 %) and emit human body thermal radiation effectively (92.4 %) enabled it to lessen the silicon-heater temperature by 22.2 degrees C under sunlight. A remarkable one-way transport index R (1409 %) verifies its efficient unidirectional liquid transport performance. WKF composites serve as TENG with a power density of 1.37 mW.cm-2 to monitor body postures, warning abnormal gaits and extension in real-time. This research provides a facile and cost-effective strategy for the fabrication of multifunctional wearable devices promoting sustainability.