From Fiber to Power: Recent Advances Toward Electrospun-Based Nanogenerators

Electrospun micro/nanofibers have gained popularity recently for nanogenerators owing to their advantages of portability, compatibility, breathability, mechanical flexibility, and function integrability, etc. These merits offer nanogenerators unprecedented micro/nanostructure adjustment and versatility. With the rapid advancements of the Internet of Things (IoT) and micro/nano technology, the developments of electrospun-based nanogenerators with extra-high performance, low cost, and widely applicable are significant for satisfying the urgent demand for efficient energy sources. To accelerate the process, this paper provides a comprehensive analysis of their advantages, preparation processes, classifications, and enhancement strategies concerning electrospun-based nanogenerators through systematically reviewing the current related literature. Initially, the advantages of electrospinning for preparing electrospun-based nanogenerators are briefly concluded. Then, the preparation processes, classifications, and unique characteristics of various types of electrospun-based nanogenerators are elaborated. Furthermore, the strategies to enhance the performance and versatility of electrospun-based nanogenerators are discussed, focusing on materials construction, structure design, and functionalization assisted with pre/post-treatment. Finally, the challenges and the coping strategies of electrospun-based nanogenerators are addressed, providing future research interests for the next generation of electrospun-based nanogenerators.