Integrated carbon nanotube-reinforced PTFE nanofiber membranes for breathable, super-hydrophobic, and thermally resilient triboelectric nanogenerators

Abstract The rapid advancement of self-powered wearable electronics has created an urgent demand for materials that can simultaneously enable efficient energy harvesting and reliable sensing while maintaining mechanical flexibility, breathability, and environmental robustness. Here, a carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) nanofiber membrane with multiple functionalities is developed through an electrospinning-sintering strategy, integrating high breathability, super-hydrophobicity, and thermal resilience within a single architecture. The incorporation of CNTs enhances dielectric properties and mechanical strength, forming a robust charge-retentive fibrous network. The optimized membrane exhibits a super-hydrophobic surface with a water contact angle of 155.49°, along with excellent air permeability and outstanding thermal stability. When assembled into a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), the device delivers an open-circuit voltage of ~ 122 V, sufficient to power portable electronics. The TENG also demonstrates excellent fouling resistance and self-cleaning capability, maintaining stable performance after repeated contamination-washing cycles. Owing to its breathable and flexible configuration, the device enables real-time motion and respiration monitoring without compromising air exchange. It also exhibits consistent output under high-temperature (up to 250 °C) and underwater conditions, with the latter further showcased through Morse-code communication. This work establishes a scalable materials design strategy for multifunctional nanofibrous TENGs, offering a versatile platform for adaptive, self-powered electronic systems operable across diverse environments.