Highly extendable triboelectric nanogenerators with sustainable electrical output for deployable multifunctional metamaterials

Highly extendable triboelectric nanogenerators (HETENGs) are introduced that are capable of energy harvesting under extreme stretching deformations. The HETENG incorporates a rolling PTFE-Nylon composite strip as a unidirectional charge transfer medium to generate sustainable open-circuit voltage and short-circuit charge transfer output, combined with a coil spring for self-retraction after large extension. Remarkably, HETENGs exhibit a maximum accumulated open-circuit voltage of 1440 V and an extending rate exceeding 634.9%. The HSTENG’s in-plane rotational pattern allows multi-branch configurations for harvesting energy from multidirectional deformations. Daily-life applications are demonstrated for the developed HETENGs working as one-dimensional (1D) engineering materials that scavenge energy from human movement or door opening/closing actions. Integration of these HETENGs into two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) scissor-like linkages (SLs) to form triboelectric mechanical metamaterials (TMMs) further enables simultaneous energy harvesting and mechanical energy dissipation during area- or volume-changing deformations. The energy harvesting dominance of each HETENGs within a 2D TMM is unraveled, enabling control over the short-circuit current waveform by adjusting their structural configurations. The exceptional electromechanical performance of these TMMs positions them as promising candidates for applications in intelligent foldable architectures, compact eco-friendly power sources, and integrated electricity-storage energy harvesters. • Developing a highly extendable triboelectric nanogenerator (HETENG) with a sustainable charge transfer mechanism for efficient energy harvesting. • Integrating HETENGs into 2D or 3D scissor-like linkages to form triboelectric mechanical metamaterials (TMMs) for harvesting energy during large area- or volume-changing deformations. • Demonstrating a maximum open-circuit voltage of 1440 V and a extending rate exceeding 634.9%. • Utilizing HETENGs as 1D materials harvesting energy from human body movements or door opening/closing actions. • 2D TMM enabling control over the short-circuit current waveform by adjusting their structural configurations