Thermally stabilized polyacrylonitrile for flexible triboelectric devices operating from −29 °C to 400 °C

Extreme temperature wearable technology enables unique applications in extreme conditions, such as physiological indicators (body temperature and heart rate) monitoring, which can provide timely warnings of health risks associated with unusual high and low temperatures. However, most soft materials used for wearable devices, including both sensors and power suppliers, are severely affected by high temperature, limiting their applications. Here, we reported a flexible triboelectric material for extreme temperature application, ranging from −29 °C to 400 °C. The device consists of a thermally stabilized polyacrylonitrile (TS-PAN) as negative triboelectric material and a mica film as positive triboelectric material. This triboelectric device can effectively and stably convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. At a frequency of 2 Hz, a 3 × 3 cm 2 TS-PAN/mica triboelectric device can generate an open-circuit voltage of 280 V, a short-circuit current of 18 μA, and a power density of 8.28 W/m 2 . We demonstrate that the electricity generated under high temperature conditions can power commercial LEDs, and charge capacitors and small lithium batteries. At a high temperature of 350 °C, the electricity generated by a single device is sufficient to run 52 commercial LEDs. Furthermore, the device can work stably for at least 2 h at 350 °C. When integrated with fire suits, TS-PAN/mica triboelectric devices can accurately recognize the real-time behavior of firefighters, such as walking, running, jumping, climbing/descending stairs, etc. In the event of a fire, the real-time monitoring capability of this device can effectively assist off-site personnel in reminding firefighters to avoid dangerous obstacles in a timely manner. We envision such a device will also open an avenue for in-space wearable technologies. • Extreme environment applicability stems from TS-PAN's cyclic trapezoidal structure. • TS-PAN/mica device exhibits no significant performance decline at −29 °C and 400 °C. • Generated electricity at high temperatures can be used to power electronic devices. • Devices can monitor firefighters' movements in real-time and send distress signals.