Three-dimensional ultraflexible triboelectric nanogenerator made by 3D printing

As the fast developments of wearable devices, artificial intelligences and Internet of Things, it is important to explore revolutionary approach and fabrication method for providing flexible and sustainable power sources. We report here a practical, ultraflexible and three-dimensional TENG (3D–TENG) that is capable of driving conventional electronics by harvesting biomechanical energy. Such TENG is made for the first time by the unique additive manufacturing technology—hybrid UV 3D printing. The TENG is made up of printed composite resin parts and ionic hydrogel as the electrification layer and electrode. A sustainable and decent output of 10.98 W/m³ (P_v, peak power per unit volume) and 0.65 mC/m³ (ρ_sc, transferred charge per unit volume) are produced under a low triggering frequency of ~ 1.3 Hz, which is attributed to the Maxwell's displacement current. Meanwhile, a self-powered SOS flickering and buzzing distress signal system, and smart lighting shoes are successfully demonstrated, as well as self-powered portable systems of a temperature sensor or a smart watch. Our work provides new opportunities for constructing multifunctional self-powered systems toward the applications in realistic environments.