Bio-based vitrimeric elastomers enable completely sustainable triboelectric nanogenerator

Abstract

Completely sustainable triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) with bio-based raw materials, green synthesis, resource-saving processing, durable mechanical and electrical performance, facile recycling, and degradation properties are highly desired for green energy harvesting and wearable electronics, but their preparation remains a challenge. This study develops bio-based vitrimers combining green synthesis, excellent elasticity, biodegradability, and recyclability to address this challenge. A salt-assisted three-dimensional (3D) printing strategy is developed to fabricate mechanically robust TENGs with hierarchical porous structures. The triboelectric contact between the surfaces and external triboelectric materials as well as that of the internal hierarchical pore’s wall contributes to the excellent electrical output performance. The resultant TENGs could be easily recycled into different forms by light-assisted fabrication to extend their lifetime. The main part of discarded TENGs shows facile degradation under benign conditions without negative influence on the environment, while the high-value conductive fillers can be readily recycled. Overall, this work presents a new paradigm for completely sustainable TENGs, which will inspire the development of sustainable electronic devices.