Bioinspired self-driven realignment and healing in multilayer triboelectric generators enabled by reversibly actuated polyurethane

Abstract

Self-healing flexible triboelectric generators (TEGs) are emerging as promising candidates for sustainable wearable electronics due to their inherent ability to recover from damage. However, precise interlayer alignment in multilayer TEGs to achieve complete functional recovery is challenging. Herein, a bioinspired durable and self-healing TEG with a dynamic layer-to-layer realignment capability is developed, which is self-driven by a reversibly actuated polyurethane (PU) substrate integrated with a healable electrode and triboelectric layers. By precisely regulating its multiphase network, the PU achieves not only an exceptional self-healing capability but also a two-way shape actuation (16.5% in reversible strain). Under the synergistic effect of dual functionalities, the PU substrate can generate reversible force to realign different functional layers and trigger geometric restoration in the TEG device, thereby maximizing both structural and functional recoveries exceeding 97%. Such aligning–healing effect maintains good repeatability in multiple healing cycles due to reversible actuation, significantly superior to that using manual alignment. Combined with mechanical robustness and high electrical outputs, the potential of the TEG as a durable self-powered sensor is demonstrated, which maintains reliable electrical performance even under complex deformations and damage. This work opens a new avenue for developing self-healing multilayer electronics with stable functional recovery.