Researchers make wearable materials that generate power and improve comfort

Researchers make wearable materials that generate power and improve comfort
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 16, 2025

Researchers have developed innovative wearable materials that not only generate electricity through human movement but also enhance user comfort. This advancement stems from an in-depth study of materials that reduce friction and simultaneously produce energy when interacting with surfaces.

Central to the research are molecules known as amphiphiles, commonly found in consumer products like diapers to minimize friction against human skin. "We set out to develop a model that would give us a detailed fundamental understanding of how different amphiphiles affect the surface friction of different materials," said Lilian Hsiao, the corresponding author of the study and an associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at North Carolina State University. "The model helps us understand the molecular basis for friction reduction and can be used by engineers to tailor a material's properties for different applications."

The team conducted experiments to determine whether amphiphiles could modify materials to function as haptic energy harvesters. "Specifically, we wanted to know if we could create energy from friction in amphiphile-modified materials. It turns out we could not only generate electricity but also reduce the friction that people wearing these materials experience," said Saad Khan, co-corresponding author and INVISTA Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at NC State.

The findings reveal that amphiphiles enable the creation of wearable fabrics with slippery surfaces that feel comfortable against human skin. Furthermore, some amphiphiles possess electronic properties that allow them to donate electrons. When incorporated into wearable materials, these electron-donating amphiphiles facilitated electricity generation through friction created by contact with human skin or other surfaces.

"The technology for harvesting static energy is well established, but devices that can be worn for long periods of time are still missing," Hsiao explained. "In our proof-of-concept testing, we found these amphiphile materials not only feel good on the skin but could generate up to 300 volts, which is remarkable for a small piece of material."

Balancing friction and comfort is critical to designing effective haptic technologies, and amphiphile chemistry provides a straightforward method to achieve this balance. "An optimal balance between friction needed to generate power and maintaining the comfort of the wearer is paramount in designing haptic technologies, and amphiphile chemistry offers a facile way to do so," Khan added. The team aims to explore further applications of these materials, including integration into existing haptic devices, and is open to collaboration with industry partners to identify new uses.

Research Report:Compressing Slippery Surface-Assembled Amphiphiles for Tunable Haptic Energy Harvesters