CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/979,298, entitled “PHOTO-RECHARGEABLE FABRICS AS SUSTAINABLE AND ROBUST POWER SOURCES FOR ON-BODY ELECTRONICS,” filed February 20, 2020, the contents of all such applications being hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety and for all purposes as if completely and fully set forth herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present implementations relate generally to battery devices, and more particularly to textile-based electricity generation and storage.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Mobile electronic devices are becoming increasingly common, and can conduct increasingly complex and personalized tasks. In addition, mobile devices conducting increasingly computationally-intensive operations can result in power consumption that requires increasing battery storage. As a result, conventional mobile device systems may require bulky, heavy, or otherwise difficult to transport battery systems to enable full functionality.

SUMMARY

[0004] Wearable smart textiles can provide lightweight electricity generation with improved comfort for on-body electronics and stability of power delivery over sustained use. Thus, example implementations include a photo-rechargeable fabric with economically viable materials and scalable fabrication technologies. Textiles in accordance with present implementations can, for example, deliver electric power for 10 min at 0.1 mA after being charged for 1 min under a “one-sun” or substantially full sunlight condition. Example implementations can also maintain consistent operation under twisting and moisture contact at least or comparable to performance of textile fabrics. In addition, it is advantageous to apply textile-based systems to power a body sensor network or the like for personalized health care, embedded communication, and the like. Thus, a technological solution for textile-based electricity generation and storage is desired. [0005] Example implementations include an electricity generation device with a plurality of conductive fibers arranged in a warp configuration, and a plurality of photoelectric fibers arranged in a weft configuration.

[0006] Example implementations also include an electricity storage device with a plurality of nonconductive fibers arranged in a warp configuration, and a plurality of battery devices arranged in a weft configuration.

[0007] Example implementations also include an electricity generation and storage device with a plurality of conductive fibers arranged in a warp configuration, a plurality of photoelectric fibers arranged in a weft configuration, a first plurality of nonconductive fibers arranged in the warp configuration, a plurality of battery devices arranged in the weft configuration, and a second plurality of nonconductive fibers arranged in the weft configuration and disposed between the photoelectric fibers and the battery devices.

[0008] Example implementations also include a photoelectric device with a substantially cylindrical core, an oxide layer disposed on a lateral surface of the core, and a photoelectric coating layer disposed on the oxide layer.

[0009] Example implementations also include a method of manufacturing a photoelectric device, by depositing a metallic layer on a substantially cylindrical nonconductive core, depositing a transition metal layer on the metallic layer, depositing an oxide layer on the transition metal layer, and depositing a photoelectric layer on the oxide layer.

[0010] Example implementations further include contacting an ethanol solution to the oxide layer, and sensitizing the oxide layer in response to contact with the ethanol solution.

[0011] Example implementations also include a battery device with a first substantially cylindrical core, a second substantially cylindrical core adjacent to the first core, and a gel layer at least partially surrounding the first core and the second core.

[0012] Example implementations also include a method of manufacturing a battery device, by depositing a transition metal layer on a first substantially cylindrical core, depositing a metallic core layer on a second substantially cylindrical core, contacting an insulating material to the metallic core layer, and depositing a gel at least partially surrounding the first core and the second core.

[0013] Example implementations further include forming a first multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) structure, and forming a second MWCNT structure, where the first core comprises the first MWCNT structure and the second core comprises the second MWCNT structure. [0014] Example implementations also include a method of manufacturing a textile operable for electricity generation and storage, by arranging a plurality of textile warp fibers in a warp configuration, weaving a substantially cylindrical battery device in a weft configuration with the plurality of warp fibers to form a battery textile region, weaving a substantially cylindrical photoelectric device in a weft configuration with the plurality of warp fibers to form a photovoltaic textile region, and depositing a textile encapsulation layer at least partially on at least one of the battery textile region and the photovoltaic textile region.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] These and other aspects and features of the present implementations will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific implementations in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein:

[0016] Fig. 1 illustrates an example electricity generation and storage textile device, in accordance with present implementations.

[0017] Fig. 2 illustrates an example photoelectric device in cross-sectional view, in accordance with present implementations.

[0018] Fig. 3 A illustrates an example battery device in plan view, in accordance with present implementations.

[0019] Fig. 3B illustrates an example battery device in cross-sectional view, in accordance with present implementations.

[0020] Fig. 4 illustrates an example battery textile region, in accordance with present implementations.

[0021] Fig. 5 illustrates an example photovoltaic textile region, in accordance with present implementations.

[0022] Fig. 6 illustrates an example interface textile region between a battery textile region and a photovoltaic textile region, in accordance with present implementations.

[0023] Fig. 7 illustrates an example method of manufacturing an example photoelectric device, in accordance with present implementations.

[0024] Fig. 8 illustrates an example method of manufacturing an example battery device, in accordance with present implementations.

[0025] Fig. 9 illustrates an example method of manufacturing an example textile operable for electricity generation and storage, in accordance with present implementations. [0026] Fig. 10 illustrates a further example method of manufacturing an example photoelectric device, in accordance with present implementations.

[0027] Fig. 11 illustrates a further method of manufacturing an example battery device, in accordance with present implementations.

[0028] Fig. 12 illustrates a further method of manufacturing an example textile operable for electricity generation and storage, in accordance with present implementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The present implementations will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, which are provided as illustrative examples of the implementations so as to enable those skilled in the art to practice the implementations and alternatives apparent to those skilled in the art. Notably, the figures and examples below are not meant to limit the scope of the present implementations to a single implementation, but other implementations are possible by way of interchange of some or all of the described or illustrated elements. Moreover, where certain elements of the present implementations can be partially or fully implemented using known components, only those portions of such known components that are necessary for an understanding of the present implementations will be described, and detailed descriptions of other portions of such known components will be omitted so as not to obscure the present implementations. Implementations described as being implemented in software should not be limited thereto, but can include implementations implemented in hardware, or combinations of software and hardware, and vice-versa, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, unless otherwise specified herein. In the present specification, an implementation showing a singular component should not be considered limiting; rather, the present disclosure is intended to encompass other implementations including a plurality of the same component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Moreover, applicants do not intend for any term in the specification or claims to be ascribed an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth as such. Further, the present implementations encompass present and future known equivalents to the known components referred to herein by way of illustration.

[0030] Mobile electronic systems can increasingly be applied in a broader range of areas. As one example, body area networks with corresponding communications electronics can provide personalized healthcare by gathering multiple physiological parameters from biometric sensors. As another example, physiological activity can include health states associated with an individual person or biological organism in accordance with daily activities. In some implementations, body are networks can continuously monitor and acquire crucial health status changes in time for preventive intervention. Because clothing is a feature common to numerous human societies and cultures, merging electronics and textiles has broad applicability to significant areas of human activity. Present implementations can perform energy harvesting from the environment and mitigate output fluctuation from inconstant availability of energy sources, and corresponding low power and energy densities in electrical outputs.

[0031] Example implementations can include or be associated with textile-based electricity generation and storage as a high-performance, sustainable and stable power source to on-body networks including various electrical devices, sensors, and the like. In some implementations, textile fabric includes a photovoltaic energy harvesting component and a rechargeable fabric battery to form a self-charging power unit. Example textiles in accordance with present implementations can include lightweight, low-cost polymer fibers. Example implementations can also be woven with textile yarns to obtain textile fabrics that correspond to textile fabrics in one or more or weight, thickness, tensile properties, texture, and the like.

[0032] Fig. 1 illustrates an example electricity generation and storage device textile, in accordance with present implementations. As illustrated by way of example in Fig. 1, an example electricity generation and storage device textile 100 includes a battery textile region 110, a photovoltaic textile region 120, and an interface textile region 130.

[0033] Example implementations include an electricity generation and storage device textile as a sustainable and stable power source for any electronic device operatively coupled thereto, therewith, or the like. In some implementations, the electricity generation and storage device textile 100 includes functional fibers capable of energy harvesting and storage, and can be organized into various textile regions by function to scale corresponding electricity generation and storage capacities.

[0034] The battery textile region 110 is operable to store electrical charge, voltage, current, or the like, within a textile structure. In some implementations, the battery textile region 110 includes multiple substantially cylindrical, elongated, threadlike, or the like, battery devices arranged adjacent to each other to form a substantially planar surface including the battery devices. In some implementations, the battery devices are disposed in axial alignment, such that an axis aligned with a cylindrical axis of a first battery device also aligns with a cylindrical axis of a second battery device. Thus, in some implementations, the battery textile region 110 includes a plurality of battery devices arranged in parallel with terminals in substantial vertical alignment, arranged in series with terminals in substantial horizontal alignment, or both. In some implementations, a planar surface of the battery textile region 110 demonstrates a wide- range of bending angles corresponding to a similar bending of fabric textiles. In some implementations, bending angles range from 0° to 120°. In some implementations, the battery textile region 110 receives and stores sufficient electrical energy to power one or more electrical, electronic, or like device. As one example, the battery textile region 110 can be charged up to 6.4 V under ambient solar irradiation, and continue to provide electric power at a discharging current of 0.1 mA for 2 hours. In some implementations, an electricity generation and storage device textile 100 having an area of 5 cm square can directly charge a mobile phone device, after a charging period receiving the daytime solar energy fabric. In some implementations, the battery textile region 110 is storable for more than 60 days without significant voltage loss under the ambient environment.

[0035] The photovoltaic textile region 120 is operable to generate electrical charge, voltage, current, or the like within a textile structure. In some implementations, the photovoltaic textile region 120 includes one or more photoelectric devices operable as energy harvesting components therein. In some implementations, the photovoltaic textile region 120 is operable to generate the generate electrical charge, voltage, current, or the like by converting solar energy to electrical energy. Thus, in some implementations, by charging by natural solar light at daytime, the energy fabric is capable of supplying power to the battery textile region 110, any type of electrical or like device, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the photovoltaic textile region 120 includes multiple substantially cylindrical, elongated, threadlike, or the like, photoelectric devices arranged adjacent to each other to form a substantially planar surface including the photoelectric devices. In some implementations, the photoelectric devices are disposed in axial alignment, such that an axis aligned with a cylindrical axis of a first photoelectric device also aligns with a cylindrical axis of a photoelectric battery device. Thus, in some implementations, the photovoltaic textile region 120 includes a plurality of photoelectric devices arranged in parallel with terminals in substantial vertical alignment, arranged in series with terminals in substantial horizontal alignment, or both. In some implementations, a planar surface of the photovoltaic textile region 120 demonstrates bending angles corresponding to bending angles of the battery textile region 110, and can be reversibly deformed with the battery textile region 110.

[0036] The interface textile region 130 is operable to mechanically and electrically couple the battery textile region 110 and the photovoltaic textile region 120. In some implementations, the interface textile region 130 includes one or more wrap or weft fibers extending across the interface textile region 130 from one or more of the battery textile region 110 and the photovoltaic textile region 120. In some implementations, the interface textile region 130 includes one or more battery devices and one or more photoelectric devices electrically coupled to each other by one or more conductive fibers of the interface textile region 130. Thus, in some implementations, the interface textile region 130 is or includes a textile-based electrical interconnect between the battery textile region 110 and the photovoltaic textile region 120. [0037] The electricity generation and storage device textile 100 can provide a number of application platforms based on the energy capture and storage capabilities thereof. As one example, the electricity generation and storage device textile 100 can include a wearable hairband to power a headlight for reading illumination in the darkness. As another example, the electricity generation and storage device textile 100 can simultaneously perform both physiological and ambient environmental monitoring, including body temperature, heart rate, body biomechanical movement in coordination with one or more biometric sensor devices operatively coupled thereto. In some implementations, the self-charging energy textile is air- stable and waterproof, with mechanical properties and chemical stability comparable to textile fibers associated with daily wearing. In some implementations, the electricity generation and storage device textile 100 is capable of working consistently without observable performance degradation even under mechanical twisting and in the presence of contact with static or flowing water.

[0038] Fig. 2 illustrates an example photoelectric device in cross-sectional view, in accordance with present implementations. As illustrated by way of example in Fig. 2, an example photoelectric device 200 includes a polymer core 210, a copper layer 220, a manganese layer 230, a dye-sensitized zinc oxide layer 240, and a copper iodide layer 250. In some implementations, a diameter of the photoelectric device 200 is between 0.2 mm and 0.3 mm. [0039] The polymer core 210 is or includes a substantially cylindrical substrate of the photoelectric device 200. In some implementations, the polymer core 210 has a substantially wirelike structure, threadlike structure, or the like. In some implementations, the polymer core 210 is or includes polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). In some implementations, the polymer core 210 has a diameter of approximately 0.26 mm. It is to be understood that the polymer core 210 can have an arbitrary length.

[0040] The copper (Cu) layer 220 at least partially surrounds the polymer core 210. In some implementations, the copper layer 220 is in direct contact with at least a portion of the polymer core 210. It is to be understood that the copper layer 220 can be or include another metal material, metallic material, or the like.

[0041] The manganese (Mn) layer 230 at least partially surrounds the copper layer 220. In some implementations, the manganese layer 230 is in direct contact with at least a portion of the copper layer 220. It is to be understood that the manganese layer 230 can be or include another transition metal or the like.

[0042] The dye-sensitized zinc oxide (ZnO) layer 240 at least partially surrounds the manganese layer 230. In some implementations, the zinc oxide layer 240 is in direct contact with at least a portion of the manganese layer 230. It is to be understood that the zinc oxide layer 240 can be or include another oxide material or the like.

[0043] The copper iodide (Cul) layer 250 at least partially surrounds the zinc oxide layer 240. In some implementations, the copper iodide layer 250 is in direct contact with at least a portion of the zinc oxide layer 240. In some implementations, the photogenerated electron-hole pairs at the ZnO/Cul interface are separated under solar irradiation and respectively transported to the counter electrodes of a battery device, resulting in generating electricity in the external circuit.

[0044] Fig. 3 A illustrates an example battery device in plan view, in accordance with present implementations. As illustrated by way of example in Fig. 3A, an example battery device 300 in plan view 300A includes a first battery core 310, a second battery core 320, an insulating fiber 330, an encapsulating layer 340, and a textile fiber 350.

[0045] The first battery core 310 is a substantially cylindrical structure including one or more electrically responsive materials. The second battery core 320 is a substantially cylindrical structure including one or more electrically responsive materials, in which one or more electrically responsive materials of the first battery core 310 differ from electrically responsive materials of the second battery core 320. In some implementations, the first battery core 310 and the second battery core 320 are in alignment such that a first cylindrical axis through the first battery core 310 is parallel with a second cylindrical axis through the second battery core 320. In some implementations, the first battery core 310 and the second battery core 320 are of approximately corresponding length. In some implementations, the first battery core 310 and the second battery core 320 are offset in a direction corresponding to the cylindrical axes of each of the first battery core 310 and the second battery core 320 resulting in a first terminal portion of the first battery core 310 protruding in the cylindrical axis direction beyond a first face of the second battery core 320. In some implementations, the first battery core 310 and the second battery core 320 are further offset in a direction corresponding to the cylindrical axes of each of the first battery core 310 and the second battery core 320 resulting in a second terminal portion of the second battery core 320 protruding in the cylindrical axis direction beyond a first face of the first battery core 310 opposite to the first face of the second battery core 320.

[0046] The insulating fiber 330 is or includes a substantially electrically insulating material and is disposed proximate to the first battery core 310 and the second battery core 320. In some implementations, the insulating fiber 330 is or includes at least one spacer to prevent direct physical contact between the first batter core 310 and the second battery core 320. It is to be understood that direct contact between the first battery core 310 and the second battery core 320 can cause an electrical shorts between the cores 310 and 320. In some implementations, the insulating fiber 330 is or includes a thin hydrophilic polymer wire twisted around the second battery core 320. In some implementations, at least a portion of the insulating fiber 330 is disposed in contact with both of the first battery core 310 and the second battery core 320 to prevent direct physical contact therebetween. Thus, in some implementations, second battery core 320 holds stable electrical output when oriented by the insulating fiber 330 relative to the first battery core 310.

[0047] The encapsulating layer 340 is or includes a substantially electrically insulating material and at least partially surrounds one or more of the first battery core 310 and the second battery core 320. In some implementations, the encapsulating layer 340 includes a first opening allowing the first terminal of the first battery core 310 to protrude therethrough, and includes a second opening allowing the second terminal of the first battery core 310 to protrude therethrough. In some implementations, the encapsulating layer is or includes polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

[0048] The textile fiber 350 is disposed around the encapsulating layer. In some implementations, the textile fiber is or includes one or more cotton, silk, linen, or like fibers. It is to be understood that the encapsulating layer 340 can have multiple textile fibers disposed around its outer surface in a configuration corresponding to that of the textile fiber 350. In some implementations, the textile fiber 350 is twisted around the encapsulating layer in a direction substantially perpendicular to a cylindrical axis of one or more of the first battery core 310 and the second battery core 320. It is to be understood that the textile fiber 350 can provide a textile appearance and texture to the battery device 300. [0049] Fig. 3B illustrates an example battery device in cross-sectional view, in accordance with present implementations. As illustrated by way of example in Fig. 3B, an example battery device 300 in cross-sectional view 300B includes the first battery core 310, the second battery core 320, the insulating fiber 330, the encapsulating layer 340, the textile fiber 350, a first polyethylene terephthalate (PET) region 312, a first multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) structure 314, a manganese oxide layer 316, a second PET region 322, a second MWCNT structure 324, a zinc layer 326, and a gel electrolyte layer 342.

[0050] The first PET region 312 is or includes a substantially cylindrical substrate of the battery device 300. In some implementations, the first PET region 312 has a substantially wirelike structure, threadlike structure, or the like. In some implementations, the first PET region 312 is or includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It is to be understood that the first PET region 312 can have an arbitrary length corresponding to the length of the first battery core 310. The second PET region 322 corresponds structurally to the first PET region 312. [0051] The first MWCNT structure 314 is or includes a substantially cylindrical structure of the battery device 300 and at least partially surrounds the first PET region 312. It is advantageous to include a PET/MW CNT core structure due to the relatively low mass density and weight of the PET/MWCNT structure. As one example, mass density of MWCNT/PET wire can be approximately 1.4 g cm-3. As another example, a weight of approximately 2.8 mg cm-1 can be achieved for a pair of Mn02-coated MWCNT/PET battery cores, significantly below that of corresponding cores including conventional materials. The second MWCNT structure 324 corresponds structurally to the first MWCNT structure 314.

[0052] The manganese oxide layer 316 at least partially surrounds the first MWCNT structure 314. In some implementations, the manganese oxide layer 316 is in direct contact with at least a portion of the MWCNT structure 314. It is to be understood that the manganese oxide layer 316 can be or include another oxide material or the like. In some implementations, the manganese oxide layer 316 a layer of Mn02 nanofibers. In some implementations, the Mn02 fibers are at least one micrometer in length.

[0053] The zinc layer 326 at least partially surrounds the second MWCNT structure 324. In some implementations, the zinc layer 326is in direct contact with at least a portion of the second MWCNT structure 324 and the insulating fiber 330. It is to be understood that the zinc layer 326 can be or include another metal material, metallic material, or the like.

[0054] The gel electrolyte layer 342 is or includes a substantially dielectric material and at least partially surrounds one or more of the first battery core 310 and the second battery core 320. In some implementations, the gel electrolyte layer 342 includes a first opening allowing the first terminal of the first battery core 310 to protrude therethrough, and includes a second opening allowing the second terminal of the first battery core 310 to protrude therethrough. In some implementations, the gel electrolyte layer 342 is in direct contact with at least a portion of the manganese oxide layer 316, the zinc layer 326, and the insulating fiber 330. In some implementations, ions transfer between the first battery core 310 and the second battery core 320 through the passageways in the gel electrolyte.

[0055] Fig. 4 illustrates an example battery textile region, in accordance with present implementations. As illustrated by way of example in Fig. 4, an example battery textile region 400 includes at least one battery device 410 including a first terminal 412 and an second terminal 414, a first circuit fiber 420, a second circuit fiber 422, and one or more nonconductive fibers 430. It is to be understood that the battery textile region 400 can correspond to all or a portion of the battery textile region 110.

[0056] The battery device 410 corresponds in structure to the battery device 300. In some implementations, the battery textile region 400 includes multiple battery devices 410, each including a first terminal 412 and a second terminal 414. It is to be understood that the first terminal 412 can correspond to a first terminal portion of the first battery core 310. It is to be further understood that the second terminal 414 can correspond to a second terminal portion of the second battery core 320. In some implementations, the battery devices 410 are arranged in parallel with terminals in substantial vertical alignment. It is to be understood that that the battery devices 410 can also be arranged in series with terminals in substantial horizontal alignment. As one example, two or more battery devices 410 can be connected in series for higher voltage output. As another example, two or more battery devices 410 can be connected in parallel for higher capacity. In some implementations, energy stored in the battery textile region 400 can be held for at least 60 days without substantial voltage loss. As one example, a single battery device 410 in accordance with present implementations and having a particular size can generate a maximum discharge of approximately 2 V. As another example, two of the battery devices having the particular size and connected in series can generate a maximum discharge of approximately 4 V. As another example, three of the battery devices having the particular size and connected in series can generate a maximum discharge of approximately 5 V. As another example, four of the battery devices having the particular size and connected in series can generate a maximum discharge of approximately 7 V. [0057] The first circuit fiber 420 is or includes at least one substantially elongated fiber. In some implementations, the first circuit fiber 420 is arranged in a warp configuration. In some implementations, the first circuit fiber 420 is or includes a nonconductive fiber and a conductive portion in contact with at least one terminal of the battery device 410. As one example, the first circuit fiber 420 can be in contact with a corresponding first terminal 412 of one or more of the battery devices 410. In some implementations, the conductive portion of the first circuit fiber 420 is a conductive material at least partially coating the first circuit fiber 420. As one example, the conductive material can be or include copper. As another example, nonconductive fiber can be or include textile fiber, polymer fiber, etc.

[0058] The second circuit fiber 422 is or includes at least one substantially elongated fiber. In some implementations, the second circuit fiber 422 is arranged in a warp configuration substantially parallel to the first circuit fiber 420. In some implementations, the second circuit fiber 422 is or includes a nonconductive fiber and a conductive portion in contact with at least one terminal of the battery device 410. As one example, the second circuit fiber 422 can be in contact with a corresponding second terminal 414 of one or more of the battery devices 410. In some implementations, the conductive portion of the second circuit fiber 422 is a conductive material at least partially coating the second circuit fiber 422. As one example, the conductive material and the nonconductive fiber can correspond to conductive material and nonconductive fiber of the first circuit fiber 420.

[0059] The nonconductive fibers 430 are or include at least one substantially elongated nonconductive fiber arranged in parallel with one or more of the first and second circuit fiber 420 and 422. In some implementations, the nonconductive fibers 430 correspond in composition to nonconductive portions of the first and second circuit fibers 420 and 422. As one example, the nonconductive fibers 430 can be textile fibers without metallic coating. [0060] Fig. 5 illustrates an example photovoltaic textile region, in accordance with present implementations. As illustrated by way of example in Fig. 5, an example photovoltaic textile region 500 includes the first circuit fiber 420, the second circuit fiber 422, at least one photoelectric device 510, a first reference fiber 520, and one or more conductive fibers 530. It is to be understood that the photovoltaic textile region 500 can correspond to all or a portion of the photovoltaic textile region 120.

[0061] The photoelectric device 510 corresponds in structure to the photoelectric device 200. In some implementations, the photovoltaic textile region 500 includes multiple photoelectric devices 510, each including a first terminal at a first end and a second terminal at an opposite end. In some implementations, the photoelectric devices 510 are arranged in parallel with terminals in substantial vertical alignment. It is to be understood that that the photoelectric devices 510 can also be arranged in series with terminals in substantial horizontal alignment. [0062] The first reference fiber 520 is or includes at least one substantially elongated fiber including a conductive portion and a nonconductive portion. In some implementations, the first reference fiber 520 is arranged in a weft configuration. In some implementations, the first reference fiber 520 is or includes a conductive fiber with a nonconductive portion. As one example, a nonconductive portion of the first reference fiber 520 can be in contact with the first circuit fiber 420 as a ground, reference, or like terminal. As another example, the conductive portion can be parallel to one or more of the photoelectric devices 510 and in electrical contact therewith by one or more of the conductive fibers 530. In some implementations, the conductive portion of the first reference fiber 520 is a conductive material at least partially coating the first reference fiber 520. As one example, the conductive material and the nonconductive fiber can correspond to conductive material and nonconductive fiber of the first circuit fiber 420.

[0063] The conductive fibers 530 are or include at least one substantially elongated conductive fiber arranged in parallel with one or more of the first and second circuit fiber 420 and 422. In some implementations, the conductive fibers 530 correspond in composition to the first and second circuit fibers 420 and 422. As one example, the conductive fibers 530 can be textile fibers with a copper or like coating.

[0064] In some implementations, the photovoltaic textile region 500 converts the absorbed photons into at least one flow of electrons. As one example, a short-circuit current (Isc) of 0.99 mA and open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 4.82 V can be achieved at a standard one-sun condition. In some implementations, power output of the photovoltaic textile region 500 increases linearly with higher light intensity. As one example, at 70% of the standard one-sun condition, the output power of the photovoltaic fabric can reach 1 mW. In some implementations, the Isc of the photovoltaic textile region 500 increases linearly with the number of photoelectric devices 510 connected in parallel, while Voc remains constant. As one example, eighteen photoelectric devices 510, each with a length of approximately 2 cm, can achieve an output Isc of 5.72 mA and Voc of 0.42 V. In some implementations, the Voc of the photovoltaic textile region 500 increases linearly with the number of photoelectric devices 510 connected in parallel, while Isc remains constant. As one example, eighteen photoelectric devices 510, each with a length of approximately 2 cm, can achieve an output Isc of 0.32 mA and Voc of 7.65 V, corresponding to an output power of 0.91 W. In some implementations, the photovoltaic textile region 500 encapsulated with a hydrophobic layer of PMMA can also function in contact with rain or under complete immersion in water.

[0065] Fig. 6 illustrates an example interface textile region between a battery textile region and a photovoltaic textile region, in accordance with present implementations. As illustrated by way of example in Fig. 6, an example interface textile region 600 includes the battery device 410 including the first terminal 412 and the second terminal 414, the first circuit fiber 420, the second circuit fiber 422, the one or more nonconductive fibers 430, the photoelectric device 510, the first reference fiber 520, the one or more conductive fibers 530, one or more textile region integration fibers 610, and one or more textile region buffer fibers 620.

[0066] The textile region integration fibers 610 are or include at least one substantially elongated fiber including a conductive portion and a nonconductive portion. In some implementations, the textile region integration fibers 610 are arranged in a warp configuration. In some implementations, the textile region integration fibers 610 are or include a conductive fiber with a nonconductive portion. As one example, a nonconductive portion of the textile region integration fiber 610 can be in contact with one or more of the battery devices 410 and the textile region buffer fibers 620. As another example, a conductive portion of the textile region integration fiber 610 can be in contact with one or more of the photoelectric devices 510 and the textile region buffer fibers 620. In some implementations, the conductive portions of the textile region integration fibers 610 include a conductive material at least partially coating one or more of the textile region integration fibers 610. As one example, the conductive material and the nonconductive fiber can correspond to conductive material and nonconductive fiber of the first circuit fiber 420. In some implementations, the textile region integration fibers 610 correspond to or include portions of the nonconductive fibers 430 and the conductive fibers 530 respectively extending from the battery textile region 400 and the photovoltaic textile region 500.

[0067] The textile region buffer fibers 620 are or include at least one substantially elongated nonconductive fiber arranged in parallel with one or more of the battery devices 410 and the photoelectric devices 510. In some implementations, the textile region integration fibers 610 correspond in composition to nonconductive portions of the first and second circuit fibers 420 and 422, or the nonconductive fiber 430. As one example, the textile region integration fibers 610 can be textile fibers without metallic coating. As another example, the textile region buffer fibers 620 can be insulated colored cotton wires. In some implementations, the textile region integration fibers 610 are arranged in a weft configuration with respect to one or more of the first and second circuit fibers 420 and 422, the conductive fibers 430, and the conductive fibers 530. In some implementations, the textile region buffer fibers 620 separate the battery textile region 400 and the photovoltaic textile region 500 to prevent mutual interference and possible electric short-circuiting therebetween.

[0068] Fig. 7 illustrates an example method of manufacturing an example photoelectric device, in accordance with present implementations. In some implementations, the example system manufactures the photoelectric device 200 by method 700 according to present implementations. In some implementations, the method 700 begins at step 710.

[0069] At step 710, the example system deposits a copper layer on a photoanode core. In some implementations, step 710 includes step 712. At step 712, the example system coats a polymer wire with a copper layer. In some implementations, the example system coats the polymer wire by a chemical plating. The method 700 then continues to step 720.

[0070] At step 720, the example system deposits a manganese layer on the copper layer. It is to be understood that the manganese layer can include other transition metals or the like. The method 700 then continues to step 730.

[0071] At step 730, the example system deposits a zinc oxide layer on the manganese layer. In some implementations, step 730 includes step 732. At step 732, the example system grows a zinc oxide nanowire array on the manganese layer. As one example, the example system grows a layer of ZnO nanoarrays on the Mn-plated PBT wire in a solution of 0.03 zinc acetate and 0.03 M hexamethylene tetramine. The method 700 then continues to step 740.

[0072] At step 740, the example system sensitizes the zinc oxide layer by a solution. In some implementations, the solution is or includes an ethanol solution. The method 700 then continues to step 750.

[0073] At step 750, the example system deposits copper iodide on the zinc oxide layer. In some implementations, a layer of Cul is deposited onto the ZnO nanoarrays as an all-solid hole- transfer material. In some implementations, step 750 includes step 752. At step 752, the example system deposits copper iodide by a copper iodide solution. As one example, a solid layer of Cul can be deposited onto the fiber as the hole-conducting material, using CuI/CH3CN solution under N2 atmosphere. In some implementations, the method 700 ends at step 750. [0074] Fig. 8 illustrates an example method of manufacturing an example battery device, in accordance with present implementations. In some implementations, the example system manufactures the battery device 300 by method 800 according to present implementations. In some implementations, the method 800 begins at step 810.

[0075] At step 810, the example system forms a first battery core and a second battery core. In some implementations, step 810 includes at least one of steps 812 and 814. At step 812, the example system forms MWCNT structures. In some implementations, MWCNT structures of approximately 20 pm in length and 11 nm in diameter are formed. In some implementations, the example system can form the MWCNT structures by with different concentrations with 1- butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide. At step 814, the example system embeds one or more PET fibers in the MWCNT structures. In some implementations, strands of PET wires can be approximately 20 pm in diameter inside the net of MWCNTs. The method 800 then continues to step 820.

[0076] At step 820, the example system deposits a manganese oxide layer on the first battery core. In some implementations, the example system deposits the manganese oxide layer by brush coating a layer of Mn02 nanofibers on the MWCNT structure. As one example, Mn02 powder, carbon black and polyvinylidene fluoride can be mixed at a weight ratio of 7:2:1 in the N-methyl pyrrolidone solvent, and the mixture can be coated onto MWCNT s/PET wires. The method 800 then continues to step 830.

[0077] At step 830, the example system deposits a zinc layer on the second battery core. In some implementations, the example system forms the zinc layer by electrodepositing a layer of zinc. As one example, zinc can be electrodeposited onto MWCNT s/PET wire at a constant current of 30 mA cm-2, in an electrolyte containing 0.55 M ZnS04, 0.32 M H3B03 and 1 g L-l polyacrylamide. The method 800 then continues to step 840.

[0078] At step 840, the example system contacts an insulating material to the zinc layer of the second battery core. It is to be understood that the insulating layer can be any spacer having any appropriate structure preventing direct contact between the first battery core and the second battery core, not limited to a wound or twisted fiber. It is to be further understood that the insulating material and can be applied the first battery core in place of or in addition to application to the second battery core. In some implementations, step 840 includes step 842. At step 842, the example system twists at least one insulating fiber around the second battery core. The method 800 then continues to step 842.

[0079] At step 850, the example system aligns the first battery core and the second battery core adjacent to each other. The method 800 then continues to step 860. [0080] At step 860, the example system deposits a gel electrolyte layer on at least one of the first battery core and the second battery core. As one example, gel electrolyte can be coated onto the Zn-Mn02 electrode by brushing, where the gel can solidify to bond the first battery core to the second battery core after drying. In some implementations, the liquid electrolyte contains 2 M ZnS04 and certain concentrations of MnS04. As one example, the gel electrolyte can be prepared by slowly adding 10 g Polyvinyl Alcohol in 100 ml solution of 2 M ZnC12, 0.4 M MnS04 and 3 M LiCl. In some implementations, by adding 0.4 M of Mn2+ into the electrolyte, a battery device can maintain approximately 75% of its original capacity after more than 200 charge-discharge cycles. The method 800 then continues to step 870.

[0081] At step 870, the example system deposits a PMMA layer on the gel electrolyte layer. The method 800 then continues to step 880.

[0082] At step 880, the example system twists at least one textile fiber around the aligned cores. In some implementations, thin colored cotton textile fibers both protect the battery core and provide the battery device with cotton-like softness. In some implementations, with thin PMMA layer and cotton wire, a diameter of the whole flexible battery wire can be advantageously reduced to less than 1 mm. In some implementations, the method 800 ends at step 880.

[0083] Fig. 9 illustrates an example method of manufacturing an example textile operable for electricity generation and storage, in accordance with present implementations. This fabrication processing holds two advantages. First, the electrical output is designable by manipulating the woven structure and electrical connection among battery and photovoltaic components. Second, the energy fabric can be aesthetically designed with colored cotton wires with greatly improved wearable comfort. In some implementations, the example system manufactures the electricity generation and storage device textile 100 by method 900 according to present implementations. In some implementations, the method 900 begins at step 910. [0084] At step 910, the example system forms a plurality of textile fiber warps. In some implementations, step 910 includes at least one of steps 912 and 914. At step 912, the example system deposits metallic material on at least a portion of one or more of the fiber warps. In some implementations, the example system coats segments of fibers with metal layers of one or more of chemical -plated Cu or sputtered Au. At step 914, the example system arranges the wraps in one or more groups in an initial position. In some implementations, the warps are arranged alternatingly such that every other parallel fiber in a plane of warp fibers is oriented in a first group to one side of a weft, and every remaining fiber in the warp plane is oriented in a second group to the opposite side of the weft. As one example, the photo-rechargeable fabric can be directly woven via a scalable shuttle-flying process. The method 900 then continues to step 920.

[0085] At step 920, the example system weaves at least one battery device as a weft between the fiber warps. The battery devices hold sufficient mechanical strength to go through a shuttleflying weaving process. In some implementations, step 920 includes step 922. At step 922, the example system inserts a battery device electrically apart from metallic portions of the fiber warps. The method 900 then continues to step 930.

[0086] At step 930, the example system moves fiber warps in one or more groups to an opposite position. In some implementations, each group is moved toward the opposite, resulting in each group of warps exchanging locations with the other and enwrapping a eft therebetween. The method 900 then continues to step 940.

[0087] At step 940, the example system determines whether a battery textile region is complete. In accordance with a determination that the battery textile region is complete, the method 900 continues to step 950. Alternatively, in accordance with a determination that the battery textile region is not complete, the method 900 continues to step 920.

[0088] At step 950, the example system weaves at least one photoelectric device as a weft between the fiber warps. In some implementations, step 950 includes step 952. At step 952, the example system inserts a photoelectric device in electrical contact with at least one metallic portion of at least one of the fiber warps. The method 900 then continues to step 960.

[0089] At step 960, the example system moves fiber warps in one or more groups to an opposite position. In some implementations, the example system moves the fiber warps correspondingly to step 930. The method 900 then continues to step 970.

[0090] At step 970, the example system determines whether a photovoltaic textile region is complete. In accordance with a determination that the photovoltaic textile region is complete, the method 900 continues to step 980. Alternatively, in accordance with a determination that the photovoltaic textile region is not complete, the method 900 continues to step 950.

[0091] At step 980, the example system deposits an encapsulation layer on one or more of the battery textile region and the photovoltaic textile region. As one example, a solution of PMMA/CHC13 (3 g L-l) can be coated over one or more of the battery textile region and the photovoltaic textile region, or the entire electricity generation and storage device textile, and dried in few seconds to form a hydrophobic encapsulation layer. In some implementations, the method 900 ends at step 980. [0092] Fig. 10 illustrates a further example method of manufacturing an example photoelectric device, in accordance with present implementations. In some implementations, the example system manufactures the photoelectric device 200 by method 1000 according to present implementations. It is to be understood that steps 710, 720, 730, 740 and 750 of Fig. 10 can correspond at least partially to steps 710, 720, 730, 740 and 750 of Fig. 7. In some implementations, the method 1000 begins at step 710.

[0093] At step 710, the example system deposits a copper layer on a photoanode core. The method 1000 then continues to step 720. At step 720, the example system deposits a manganese layer on the copper layer. The method 1000 then continues to step 730. At step 730, the example system deposits a zinc oxide layer on the manganese layer. The method 1000 then continues to step 740.

[0094] At step 740, the example system sensitizes the zinc oxide layer by a solution. The method 1000 then continues to step 750. At step 750, the example system deposits copper iodide on the zinc oxide layer. In some implementations, the method 1000 ends at step 750. [0095] Fig. 11 illustrates a further method of manufacturing an example battery device, in accordance with present implementations. In some implementations, the example system manufactures the battery device 300 by method 1100 according to present implementations. It is to be understood that steps 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, 860, 870 and 880 of Fig. 11 can correspond at least partially to steps 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, 860, 870 and 880 of Fig. 8. In some implementations, the method 1100 begins at step 810.

[0096] At step 810, the example system forms a first battery core and a second battery core. The method 1100 then continues to step 820. At step 820, the example system deposits a manganese oxide layer on the first battery core. The method 1100 then continues to step 830. At step 830, the example system deposits a zinc layer on the second battery core. The method 1100 then continues to step 840. At step 840, the example system contacts an insulating material to the zinc layer of the second battery core. The method 1100 then continues to step 850. At step 850, the example system aligns the first battery core and the second battery core adjacent to each other. The method 1100 then continues to step 860. At step 860, the example system deposits a gel electrolyte layer on at least one of the first battery core and the second battery core. The method 1100 then continues to step 870. At step 870, the example system deposits a PMMA layer on the gel electrolyte layer. The method 1100 then continues to step 880. At step 880, the example system twists at least one textile fiber around the aligned cores. In some implementations, the method 1100 ends at step 880. [0097] Fig. 12 illustrates a further method of manufacturing an example textile operable for electricity generation and storage, in accordance with present implementations. In some implementations, the example system manufactures the electricity generation and storage device textile 100 by method 1200 according to present implementations. It is to be understood that steps 910, 920, 940, 950, 970 and 980 of Fig. 12 can correspond at least partially to steps 910, 920, 940, 950, 970 and 980 of Fig. 9. In some implementations, the method 1200 begins at step 910.

[0098] At step 910, the example system forms a plurality of textile fiber warps. The method 1200 then continues to step 920. At step 920, the example system weaves at least one battery device as a weft between the fiber warps. The method 1200 then continues to step 940. At step 940, the example system determines whether a battery textile region is complete. In accordance with a determination that the battery textile region is complete, the method 900 continues to step 950. Alternatively, in accordance with a determination that the battery textile region is not complete, the method 900 continues to step 920. At step 950, the example system weaves at least one photoelectric device as a weft between the fiber warps. The method 1200 then continues to step 970. At step 970, the example system determines whether a photovoltaic textile region is complete. In accordance with a determination that the photovoltaic textile region is complete, the method 900 continues to step 980. Alternatively, in accordance with a determination that the photovoltaic textile region is not complete, the method 900 continues to step 950. At step 980, the example system deposits an encapsulation layer on one or more of the battery textile region and the photovoltaic textile region. In some implementations, the method N00 ends at step 980.

[0099] The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are illustrative, and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively "associated" such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as "associated with" each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being "operably connected," or "operably coupled," to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being "operably couplable," to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but are not limited to physically mateable and/or physically interacting components and/or wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interacting components and/or logically interacting and/or logically interactable components.

[00100] With respect to the use of plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

[00101] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.).

[00102] Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

[00103] It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation, no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).

[00104] Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general, such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B." [00105] Further, unless otherwise noted, the use of the words “approximate,” “about,” “around,” “substantially,” etc., mean plus or minus ten percent.

[00106] The foregoing description of illustrative implementations has been presented for purposes of illustration and of description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting with respect to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the disclosed implementations. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.