Fabrication of core-sheath nanoyarn via touchspinning and its application in wearable piezoelectric nanogenerator

A simple and versatile touchspinning method is demonstrated for the fabrication of core-sheath nanofibrous piezoelectric yarns with a single filament electroconductive core. The polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) piezoelectric nanofibers are fabricated in a continuous spinning process with relatively controlled structure, orientation, and dimensions to form a sheath layer. The PVDF core-sheath nanoyarn is assembled into a piezoelectric nanogenerator (PNG) capable to convert mechanical energy of body motion into electricity. It was demonstrated that an electrical potential difference of 0.72?V can be generated under compression of 0.33?MPa for a single 3-cm long yarn. The touchspun nanoyarn fabrication method has great potential for the fabrication of functional smart textile products.