Bekinew Kitaw Dejene, Misganaw Engdasew Woldeab
The rapid expansion of wearable electronics and the Internet of Things (IoT) has intensified the demand for sustainable, lightweight, and flexible power solutions beyond conventional batteries, which suffer from short lifespans, bulkiness, and environmental concerns. Hybrid textile nanogenerators (HTNGs) offer a sustainable and transformative alternative by integrating multiple energy conversion mechanisms, such as piezoelectric, triboelectric, thermoelectric, solar, enzymatic biofuel cell, and electromagnetic effects, into flexible textile platforms. By exploiting the synergistic interactions between different nanogenerator modes, HTNGs achieve superior energy output, multifunctionality, and system stability compared to single-mode devices. This review first introduces the fundamental principles and classifications of HTNGs in textile systems, followed by a discussion of the materials and fabrication strategies that enable seamless integration into fabrics while preserving softness, comfort, and breathability. Recent hybridization strategies, performance metrics, and design innovations are critically evaluated, with attention to durability, washability, and large-scale manufacturability, which are crucial for practical applications. Applications in wearable health monitoring, self-powered sensing, smart garments, and the IoT are examined alongside key challenges such as scalability and user comfort. Finally, future perspectives are outlined, emphasizing cross-disciplinary opportunities, including eco-friendly materials, scalable manufacturing, and intelligent energy management, such as AI-assisted optimization, to accelerate the transition of HTNGs from laboratory prototypes to commercially viable, self-sustaining wearable systems.