A flexible nanogenerator based on functionalized cotton fibers for energy harvesting in low-temperature environments†

To address the challenges faced by traditional flexible triboelectric nanogenerators (F-TENGs) in low-temperature environments, such as the performance degradation of flexible conductive materials and poor fatigue resistance, this study proposes a novel low-temperature flexible triboelectric nanogenerator. By integrating a novel self-developed low-temperature flexible conductive fabric with cotton fibers and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as triboelectric materials, a high-performance F-TENG suitable for low-temperature applications was successfully developed. The experimental results demonstrate that the F-TENG maintains remarkable flexibility and mechanical properties even at 77 K. After 10 000 low-temperature flexibility tests and operational cycles, it retains excellent electrical performance, showcasing superior fatigue resistance and stable output capabilities. This work provides a novel solution to challenges in the low-temperature energy supply field and holds significant potential for applications in polar exploration, space exploration, and other cryogenic environments.