Magnetic topological insulator MnBi2Te4 enabled triboelectric nanogenerators for wearable energy harvesting and motion sensing

• A triboelectric nanogenerator using magnetic topological insulator MnBi 2 Te 4 was successfully developed. • The layered structure enhances charge trapping and electron transfer, leading to high electrical output. • The device powers electronic components and enables motion sensing in wearable systems. • This work introduces magnetic topological insulators as a new material category for energy harvesting and intelligent wearables. The rise of topological materials has enabled new strategies to improve triboelectric performance in self-powered wearable electronics. Here, a MnBi 2 Te 4 -based triboelectric nanogenerator (M-TENG) is developed for efficient biomechanical energy harvesting and motion sensing. MnBi 2 Te 4 , as the positive triboelectric layer, is paired with a PTFE film and integrated onto flexible substrates via hot-pressing. Its layered structure and surface electronic properties enhance charge trapping and interfacial transfer, boosting electrical output. The M-TENG achieves a peak open-circuit voltage ( V OC ) of 133.3 V, short-circuit current ( I SC ) of 21.6 μA, and transfer charge ( Q SC ) of 64.1 nC at 6 Hz, delivering a maximum power of 1.6 mW. It powers small devices such as light-emitting −diode (LEDs) and sensors, and when integrated into wearables, enables self-powered monitoring of motions like walking, running, and basketball, demonstrating the promise of magnetic topological insulators for future energy harvesting and smart wearable systems.