Recent advances in stretchable triboelectric nanogenerators for use in wearable bioelectronic devices

Abstract

Wearable bioelectronic devices have the capacity for real-time human health monitoring, the provision of tailored services, and natural interaction with smart devices. However, these wearable bioelectronic devices rely on conventional rigid batteries that are frequently charged or replaced and are incompatible with the skin, leading to a discontinuity in complex therapeutic tasks related to human health monitoring and human–machine interaction. Stretchable triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is a high-efficiency energy harvesting technology that converts mechanical into electrical energy, effectively powering wearable bioelectronic devices. This study comprehensively overviews recent advances in stretchable TENG for use in wearable bioelectronic devices. The working mechanism of stretchable TENG is initially explained. A comprehensive discussion presents the approaches for fabricating stretchable TENG, including the design of stretchable structures and the selection of stretchable materials. Furthermore, applications of wearable bioelectronic devices based on stretchable TENG in human health monitoring (body movements, pulse, and respiration) and human–machine interaction (touch panels, machine control, and virtual reality) are introduced. Ultimately, the challenges and developmental trends regarding wearable bioelectronic devices based on stretchable TENG are elaborated.

Graphic abstract