Self-Powered Wearables: Material Innovations Driving Triboelectric Nanogenerators

Self-Powered Wearables: Material Innovations Driving Triboelectric Nanogenerators | Authorea try { document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); } catch (e) { } var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'G-8VDV14Y67G']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); Skip to main content Preprints Collections Wiley Open Research IET Open Research Ecological Society of Japan All Collections About About Authorea FAQs Contact Us Quick Search anywhere Search for preprint articles, keywords, etc. Search Search ADVANCED SEARCH SCROLL This is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary. 6 August 2025 V1 Latest version Share on Self-Powered Wearables: Material Innovations Driving Triboelectric Nanogenerators Authors : Karchung - 0000-0002-8335-7667 [email protected] , Sabrina Schaly , Alistair McEwan , Angela McGillivray , and Ken-Tye Yong 0000-0001-7936-2941 Authors Info & Affiliations https://doi.org/10.22541/au.175447812.29680019/v1 279 views 276 downloads Contents Abstract Supplementary Material Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract The growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly energy solutions in wearable electronics has driven significant advancements in triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) which can easily convert biomechanical energy into electricity. Since their introduction in 2012, it has emerged as a promising energy-harvesting technology, enabling the efficient and cost-effective conversion of mechanical energy into electricity through triboelectrification and electrostatic induction. Notably, TENGs can effectively harvest low-frequency mechanical energy from human motion which is not feasible and economical to use electromagnetic generators. This power generator addresses the increasing energy demands of self-powered wearable devices. Recent breakthroughs in material science, including advanced polymers, liquid metals, cellulose-based composites, and nanostructured materials, have significantly enhanced energy conversion efficiency, flexibility, and durability. Experimental studies have reported a record-high power density of 790 mWm⁻²Hz⁻¹, demonstrating the potential for battery-free wearable technology. Despite these advancements, scalability, long-term stability, and environmental adaptability remain major challenges impeding commercial adoption. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent material innovations including fabrication method, structural innovation and energy management for TENG developed for harvesting biomechanical energy for wearable devces. Furthermore, we critically examine the barriers to commercialization, including manufacturing limitations, performance degradation, and material sustainability, and propose strategic solutions and future research directions. It has been revealed that, for TENG to reach its commercial stage, there requires interdisciplinary collaboration in material engineering, device design, and system integration to unlock the full potential of TENG as diverse physical and chemical factors impede their potential. Image (Publication_trend.png) is missing or otherwise invalid. Image (Cellulose_Based_Materials.png) is missing or otherwise invalid. Image (Pyramid.png) is missing or otherwise invalid. Supplementary Material File (view_wiley_karchung_final.pdf) Download 3.08 MB Information & Authors Information Version history V1 Version 1 06 August 2025 Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License. Keywords material selection self-powered sensors structural innovation triboelectric nanogenerator wearable devices Authors Affiliations Karchung - 0000-0002-8335-7667 [email protected] The University of Sydney View all articles by this author Sabrina Schaly The University of Sydney View all articles by this author Alistair McEwan The University of Sydney View all articles by this author Angela McGillivray Royal Prince Alfred Hospital View all articles by this author Ken-Tye Yong 0000-0001-7936-2941 The University of Sydney View all articles by this author Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 279 views 276 downloads .FvxKWukQNSOunydq8rnd { width: 100px; } Citations Download citation Karchung -, Sabrina Schaly, Alistair McEwan, et al. Self-Powered Wearables: Material Innovations Driving Triboelectric Nanogenerators. Authorea . 06 August 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.175447812.29680019/v1 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu . Format Please select one from the list RIS (ProCite, Reference Manager) EndNote BibTex Medlars RefWorks Direct import Tips for downloading citations document.getElementById('citMgrHelpLink').addEventListener('click', function() { popupHelp(this.href); return false; }); $(".js__slcInclude").on("change", function(e){ if ($(this).val() == 'refworks') $('#direct').prop("checked", false); $('#direct').prop("disabled", ($(this).val() == 'refworks')); }); View Options View options PDF View PDF Figures Tables Media Share Share Share article link Copy Link Copied! Copying failed. 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