A Stretchable Multimode Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Energy Harvesting and Self‐Powered Sensing

Abstract A new type of stretchable triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) made of a custom‐formulated stretchable conductive composite and an elastomer is reported in this work. The unique structural design allows this stretchable TENG to effectively operate in both pressing and stretching modes. In the pressing mode, the stretchable TENG is able to deliver an open‐circuit voltage of 69 V, a short‐circuit current density of 3.05 mA m −2 , and a power density of 23 mW m −2 under loaded conditions. The excellent electrical properties of the stretchable conductive composite under strained conditions render the TENG performance resilient against stretching, with only a 10% decrease in open‐circuit voltage and charge transfer when being subject to 43% strain. In the stretching mode, the TENG exhibits an open‐circuit voltage of 8.4 V, a short‐circuit current density of 0.18 mA m −2 , and a power output of 0.19 mW m −2 under loaded conditions. Aside from pressing and stretching, the TENG is responsive to other mechanical deformation such as bending and twisting, with output voltages of 4 and 8 V, respectively. Versatile applications in energy harvesting and sensing, enabled by the multimode operation capability of the stretchable TENG, are demonstrated.