Thermal‐Triggered “On–Off” Switchable Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on Two‐Way Shape Memory Polymer

Abstract

AbstractDeveloping multifunctional triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) with special intelligence is of great significance for next‐generation self‐powered electronic devices. However, the relevant work on the intelligent TENGs, especially those spontaneously responsive to external stimuli, is rarely reported. Herein, an intelligent TENG with thermal‐triggered switchable functionality and high triboelectric outputs is developed by designing a movable triboelectric layer, which is driven by a two‐way shape memory polyurethane. The resultant TENG device can be spontaneously switched on/off in response to the environmental temperature change, i.e., switching on at 0 °C and off at 60 °C. At the “on” state, the developed TENG exhibits excellent triboelectric performance with a maximum output power density of 5.15 W m−2 at a pressure of 30 kPa due to the unique advantages of micro‐/nanofiber triboelectric surfaces. Furthermore, the great potential of the switchable TENG in intelligent wearable electronic applications is demonstrated, which can serve as not only the sensing element for monitoring human movement and physical condition in a cold environment but also the thermal‐driven switch for turning on/off the heating function on demand. The intelligent “on–off” switchable TENG combined with excellent triboelectric performance may provide new opportunities for future self‐powered wearable electronics.