Tribo-thermoelectric energy harvesting in Ag2Se-modified rayon fabric triboelectric nanogenerators

Abstract

Incorporating inorganic semiconductors into fabric triboelectric nanogenerators (F-TENG) offers a pathway to mitigate charge-density saturation effects and enhance charge generation. By explicitly exploiting friction-induced temperature gradients within the fabric, this study introduces a tribo-thermoelectric textile concept that goes beyond purely triboelectric F-TENG architectures. In this work, n-type silver selenide (Ag2Se) is integrated into a rayon fabric matrix to harvest mechanical energy while simultaneously recovering frictional waste heat. Structural characterization confirms the uniform dispersion of single-phase Ag2Se across the textile matrix. Thermal imaging reveals significant friction-induced heating during F-TENG operation, which is utilized by the Ag2Se component to contribute an additional thermoelectric voltage. At optimum conditions, the rayon/Ag2Se composite exhibits a thermoelectric power factor of 7.94 nW & centerdot;m(-1)& centerdot;K(-2)and produces a thermoelectric voltage (V-T) of similar to 98 mV at a temperature gradient (Delta T) of similar to 40 K; at higher Delta T, slight deviations from linearV(T-Delta T)behavior are observed. The combined action of triboelectric and thermoelectric effects is consistent with promoted carrier excitation and transport in Ag2Se, leading to enhanced electrical output. The device achieves a peak open-circuit voltage (V-OC) of similar to 64.4 V, a short-circuit current (I-SC) of similar to 168.8 mu A, and a maximum power density of similar to 83.8 mu W & centerdot;cm(-2). This performance enhancement is likely influenced by the coupling of triboelectrification with a proposed thermoelectric-driven carrier injection mechanism, which may facilitate charge transport and help reduce charge recombination within the F-TENG system. This work demonstrates a scalable strategy for developing self-sustaining electronic textiles that more fully utilize both mechanical and thermal components of frictional energy, advancing clean energy harvesting and enabling innovative wearable technologies that align with the Sustainable Development Goals.