How do flexible and stretchable TENGs maintain performance under deformation?

Flexible and stretchable TENGs maintain performance under deformation through the careful selection of materials and device architectures that accommodate mechanical strain without compromising their electrical functionality. They achieve this by utilizing intrinsically flexible and stretchable materials, such as elastomers like PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), for the triboelectric layers, electrodes, and substrates. These materials can undergo significant deformation without fracturing or losing their electrical conductivity. Device architectures are designed to minimize stress concentration and distribute strain evenly across the device. This can involve using wavy or serpentine interconnects to connect rigid components or embedding the active materials in a flexible matrix. The triboelectric materials are often chosen to maintain their triboelectric properties even under strain. Furthermore, the interfaces between different materials are designed to be robust and prevent delamination under deformation. For example, a flexible TENG used in wearable electronics might employ a serpentine-shaped metal electrode embedded in a PDMS matrix to maintain electrical conductivity while allowing for stretching and bending of the device. This design prevents the electrode from cracking or detaching from the PDMS substrate during deformation.