Recyclable Bead Chain Structure of Ta2O5/TPU Fiber Films for Energy Harvesting and Passive Daytime Radiative Cooling

Abstract

Efficient energy acquisition and energy-saving measures are important to meet climate change commitments and address energy crises. However, combining high energy density, low preparation energy consumption, and low temperature management energy consumption remains a major challenge. We mitigate this challenge by fabricating a recyclable fiber film via the coelectrospinning of tantalum pentoxide/thermoplastic polyurethane (Ta₂O₅/TPU) to integrate passive daytime radiative cooling technology into the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) system. Due to the high dielectric constant of Ta₂O₅ and special bead chain structure of the fiber film, the integrated TENG-based radiative cooling textile offers an excellent TENG output (current density ∼77 mA m^–2) and passive daytime radiative cooling capability (cooling temperature ∼25 °C), as well as the ability to withstand at least 10 renewable cycles. Moreover, the composite material exhibits waterproof and wear-resistant properties. As a proof of concept, the potential applications of Ta₂O₅/TPU fiber films in smart car clothing for energy harvesting, cooling, shading, and scratch collision warning were demonstrated. This study contributes to the development of textiles for electricity generation and zero-energy input cooling.