Abrasion and Fracture Self-Healable Triboelectric Nanogenerator with Ultrahigh Stretchability and Long-Term Durability

Since triboelectrification results from materials in physical contact, the durability of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) must be improved. However, it still poses challenges to continuously repair surface abrasion even when self-healable materials are introduced. In this study, an ultrastretchable TENG (US-TENG) that simultaneously heal the fracture and abrasion at room temperature is fabricated. By incorporating hydrogen bonds and dynamic metal-ligand coordination into polydimethylsiloxane chains, the synthesized elastomers possess ultrahigh stretchability (10 000%) and remarkable self-healing property (100% efficiency) at room temperature. Working in contact-separation mode, the electrical outputs with 2 × 2 cm² area can reach 140 V, 40 nC, 1.5 µA, respectively. Besides, the US-TENG shows a stretchability of 1800% with high electrical outputs. Even if it is stretched to break or scratched to wear out, it can recover its electrical outputs in 20 min and 2 h at room temperature, respectively. Finally, the application of the US-TENG as flexible power sources and self-powered pressure sensors is demonstrated. This designed strategy with ultrahigh stretchability and excellent self-healing properties can meet the wide applications of flexible and wearable electronics for long-term use.