Wearable self-powered intelligent textile with optical–electrical dual-mode functionality for pressure distribution detection and remote intelligent control

Abstract

Wearable fabrics with optical–electrical dual-mode functionality have attracted extensive attention for use as next-generation smart wearables because of their capability to simultaneously provide bodily and visual perception. Herein, a novel wearable self-powered intelligent textile (WSIT) is proposed based on a continuous manufacturing process in which triboelectrification-induced electroluminescence (TIEL) and single-electrode triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) are combined. Because of the triboelectrification-based optical–electrical synergistic effect, significant electrical (120 V, 0.25 μA, 8 nC) and optical (5.17 μW cm⁻²) outputs are simultaneously achieved in WSIT (5 cm²). Moreover, the WSIT performs well in stability, durability, and comfort, showing high flexibility, washability, breathability, chemical resistance, and hydrophobicity, without sacrificing its original properties. By leveraging the excellent electrical sensing performance, the sensing array of 8 × 8 pixels is capable of detecting and imaging the pressure distribution caused by a shuttlecock. Under the optical sensing mode, WSIT can recognize the luminescent trajectory of the finger, enabling the remote operation of computer games and switching of a desk lamp. This work provides a new framework for developing high-performance WSIT with optical–electrical dual-mode functionality, which may lead to its extensive application in fields like intelligent robots, augmented reality, and smart homes.