Researchers have developed a textile capable of harnessing energy from both sunlight and wind. A fabrication strategy merged two different lightweight, low-cost polymer fibers to create energy-producing textiles. The first component of the textile is a micro cable solar cell, able to gather power from ambient sunlight. The second is a nano generator capable of converting mechanical energy into electricity.

Under ambient sunlight, and in the presence of wind blowing or human motion, the textile swatch was able to charge a small commercial capacitor up to 2V in one minute. The textile could continuously power an electric watch, charge a cell phone, and even drive water-splitting reactions, releasing hydrogen.

After optimising individual components, researchers worked on optimizing the overall textile. To maximise its energy output, they had to perform a systematic optimisation of the individual electrical connections and overall patterns between the photovoltaic and tribo electric components. After the system was optimised, the team put together a plain-weave fabric that included a four-centimeter-square tribo electric textile and a 1 x 4 centimeter photovoltaic textile, mixed with wool fibers.

Overall, the fabric doesn't generate a lot of electricity. But it has the advantage of being able to generate electricity where it may be needed.