The principles and recent advancements in self-powered wearable fiber sensors

Abstract

Wearable sensors are widely used in sports monitoring, health care and daily life health management due to their real-time feedback of personal health status and physiological data. However, traditional wearable sensors require a battery to provide continuous power to the device. Therefore, additional line connections, limited energy supply, and frequent battery replacement hinder the practical application of wearable sensors. Self-powered sensors present an effective solution to these challenges by harvesting energy from the environment to power the device. Among them, fibers and textiles are the preferred choice for wearable sensors because they are light weight, breathable, braided, stretchable, and suitable for everyday activities. This review explores the operational principles of wearable self-powered fiber sensors, detailing the mechanisms of moist-electric, triboelectric, piezoelectric, thermoelectric, and photovoltaic sensors. It also introduces research progress in healthcare monitoring, disease diagnosis, and human–machine interaction, focusing on materials and effects. Finally, the review discusses the challenges and prospects in the field of wearable self-powered fiber sensor research. The potential for these sensors to operate without external power sources opens new possibilities for the future of wearable devices, promoting sustainability and reducing the environmental impact associated with battery usage.