Stretchable Temperature-Tolerant Triboloelectric Nanogenerator Based on a Dual-Network Ionic Organohydrogel

Abstract

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) based on a hydrogel have proposed substantial potential in flexible and self-powered electronics. However, the simultaneous realization of excellent stretchability, temperature resistance, and superior electrical performance of hydrogel-based TENGs via a simple approach remains a challenge. Herein, a stretchable and temperature-tolerant TENG with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-gelatin-LiCl organohydrogel (PGL–OHG) as the electrode is presented. The PVA-gelatin dual-network structure endows the PGL–OHG with exceptional stretchability (530% fracture elongation and 0.3 MPa tensile stress), while the synergistic effect of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and LiCl suppresses ice crystallization, thereby extending the operational temperature range to −50 to 50 °C. Moreover, LiCl enhances the ionic conductivity of the PGL–OHG, which ensures the stable electrical output of PGL–OHG TENG. Furthermore, the assembled stretchable PGL–OHG TENG has an outstanding 78 V output voltage, wide working temperature range (−50 to 50 °C), excellent stretchability (250%), durable long-term stability (50 days), and cycling stability (7800 cycles). Additionally, the application of the proposed PGL–OHG TENG in energy harvesting and self-powered devices also exhibits a potential capability in wearable electronics. By overcoming traditional trade-offs between stretchability, temperature resistance, and electrical performance via molecular and structural design, this work achieves a breakthrough in hydrogel-based TENGs, advancing their wearable and extreme-environment applications.