Flexible and efficient triboelectric nanogenerators based on PVDF and boron nitride composite yarns and mats

Abstract

Flexible and scalable energy-harvesting materials are the driving force behind the emerging era of wearable and self-powered electronics that seamlessly integrate into modern life. Hence, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) offer a versatile solution for integrating energy generation into smart textiles. Here, electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) mats and yarns incorporating boron nitride (BN) nanoparticles (1, 3, 5, and 10 wt%) were fabricated and characterized. The 5 wt% BN/PVDF composite exhibited the highest β-phase content and crystallinity, owing to the role of BN as an efficient nucleating agent that facilitates β-phase crystallization through strong interfacial interactions between the nanofiller and PVDF matrix. The triboelectric output was systematically compared across different structural configurations, including electrospun mats, yarns, and rolled-mat geometries. The BN/PVDF yarn-based TENG delivered the highest power density of 303 ± 0.30 mW m⁻², representing ∼113% enhancement over pristine PVDF yarn and superior to previously reported PVDF-based devices. Moreover, despite its smaller active area, the yarn device produced higher power density than the mat counterpart (297 ± 0.43 mW m⁻²). These findings demonstrate that BN incorporation and yarn-based architecture enhanced power generation, providing a scalable route toward high-performance, flexible nanogenerators for wearable and self-powered electronics.