Motion-induced mechano-electric fibers towards wearable electronics with energy and information self-sufficiency

Abstract

Mechano-electric fibers (MEFs) represent a novel class of smart textiles that offer a robust pathway for comfortable wear and efficient harvesting of human biomechanical energy by integrating with triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). MEFs can serve as a sustainable power supply for wearable electronics and function as sensitive and convenient platforms for the acquisition of human motion signals, and the detection of environmental stimuli. This review emphasizes that the triboelectric mechanism, response characteristics, and textile architecture endow MEFs with distinctive advantages, including highly efficient low-frequency bioenergy conversion, progressive multi-stage high-sensitivity responses, and versatile structural designs. Consequently, these features facilitate autonomous and sustainable on-body energy and information supply systems. Furthermore, the emerging functionalities and diverse applications of MEFs demonstrate the substantial potential of human-centric self-powered wearable systems, including motion capture, physiological monitoring, and environmental perception. Finally, we provide a comprehensive discussion on the critical challenges currently impeding the design and practical implementation of MEFs.