Smart Flexible Fabrics for Energy Storage, Self‐Heating, Energy Harvesting, and Self‐Powered Motion Sensing at Low Temperatures

Abstract Energy harvesting and storage at extreme temperatures are significant challenges for flexible wearable devices. This study innovatively developed a dynamic‐bond‐cross–linked spinnable azopolymer‐based smart fabric (PAzo‐M/PVA, M = Mg, Ca, Zn) capable of photothermal energy storage, light‐induced self‐heating, mechanical energy harvesting, and self‐powered motion sensing under cold conditions, overcoming issues like low energy density and poor structural stability when azopolymers are combined with other fabrics via impregnation or spraying. PAzo‐Mg, operating without solvents, demonstrated high energy density (264.8 J g −1 ) and long‐term stability (14 days). Upon light excitation at −20 °C, this fabric achieved the highest temperature increase (9.3 °C) and sustained self‐heating for 45 minutes. A triboelectric nanogenerator based on this fabric achieved a maximum output power density of 3.43 W m −2 and demonstrated excellent durability (≈10 000 cycles) at −20 °C, with light‐induced trans/cis isomerization and dynamic bond formation/dissociation affected the electrical output, a phenomenon not previously reported. Moreover, a self‐powered motion sensor embedded with this fabric successfully detected subtle pulse variations during outdoor human activities at −18 to −21 °C. This smart fabric combines energy storage, self‐heating, and triboelectric power generation at low temperatures, providing a feasible solution for creating flexible wearable devices for complex environments.

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Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Functional Materials
Published
2025-04-13
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202501330
Citations
12
Primary Topic
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
8.09

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article

Smart Flexible Fabrics for Energy Storage, Self‐Heating, Energy Harvesting, and Self‐Powered Motion Sensing at Low Temperatures

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Advanced Functional Materials
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
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article

Smart Flexible Fabrics for Energy Storage, Self‐Heating, Energy Harvesting, and Self‐Powered Motion Sensing at Low Temperatures

Fulai Zhao, Wei Feng, Liyuan Yu, Jingshi Liu, Yiyu Feng, Xiwei Xu, Jing Ge, Xiangyu Chen, Siyu Zhang, Ping Yang, Xiaoyu Yang, Zhong Lin Wang
article en
12 citations

Abstract

Abstract Energy harvesting and storage at extreme temperatures are significant challenges for flexible wearable devices. This study innovatively developed a dynamic‐bond‐cross–linked spinnable azopolymer‐based smart fabric (PAzo‐M/PVA, M = Mg, Ca, Zn) capable of photothermal energy storage, light‐induced self‐heating, mechanical energy harvesting, and self‐powered motion sensing under cold conditions, overcoming issues like low energy density and poor structural stability when azopolymers are combined with other fabrics via impregnation or spraying. PAzo‐Mg, operating without solvents, demonstrated high energy density (264.8 J g −1 ) and long‐term stability (14 days). Upon light excitation at −20 °C, this fabric achieved the highest temperature increase (9.3 °C) and sustained self‐heating for 45 minutes. A triboelectric nanogenerator based on this fabric achieved a maximum output power density of 3.43 W m −2 and demonstrated excellent durability (≈10 000 cycles) at −20 °C, with light‐induced trans/cis isomerization and dynamic bond formation/dissociation affected the electrical output, a phenomenon not previously reported. Moreover, a self‐powered motion sensor embedded with this fabric successfully detected subtle pulse variations during outdoor human activities at −18 to −21 °C. This smart fabric combines energy storage, self‐heating, and triboelectric power generation at low temperatures, providing a feasible solution for creating flexible wearable devices for complex environments.

Advanced Functional MaterialsVol. 35(38)
Shandong University of Technology (CN), Tianjin University (CN), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CN), Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems (CN), Beijing University of Chemical Technology (CN)
National Natural Science Foundation of China, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Youth Innovation Promotion Association of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing Nova Program, Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, Youth Innovation Promotion Association, Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Openalex Percentile: Top 2%
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
8.09
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