Three-dimensional (3D)-printable stretchable triboelectric nanogenerator fibers

A method for fabricating a flexible triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) fiber, the method comprising:

• with a manifold having an inner barrel and an outer extrusion barrel surrounding the inner barrel, feeding an electrically-conductive (EC) wire or fiber through a first opening formed in a first end of the barrel and out of a second opening formed in a second end of the barrel such that an end portion of the wire or fiber is disposed outside of the second end of the barrel;
• anchoring the end portion of the EC wire or fiber to a surface of a substrate;
• with the outer extrusion barrel having an elastomeric material disposed therein, subjecting the elastomeric material to pressure conditions to cause the elastomeric material to be extruded through an extrusion nozzle located at an end of the manifold, the extrusion nozzle acting as an extrusion die for aligning EC wire or fiber with the elastomeric material being extruded such that the extruded elastomeric material forms a cladding that surrounds the EC wire or fiber in a substantially coaxial relationship, the extruded EC wire or fiber surrounded by the cladding comprising a flexible triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) fiber;
• and
• with a motion control system mechanically coupled to the manifold, imparting preselected motion to the manifold as the EC wire or fiber and the surrounding cladding are extruded from the extrusion nozzle to form a two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) construct comprising a plurality of the flexible TENG fibers arranged in a preselected pattern to form a triboelectric mechanosensory.