Boosting the Charge Density of Triboelectric Nanogenerator by Suppressing Air Breakdown and Dielectric Charge Leakage

Abstract

AbstractCharge generation and charge decay are two essential factors that determine the surface charge density of a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). However, research mainly focuses on boosting charge generation, and little attention is paid to suppressing charge decay. Here, a strategy of suppressing charge decay, including the air breakdown and dielectric charge leakage, of TENG with high surface charge density (HCD‐TENG) is proposed by utilizing a dual dielectric layer. A series of parameters of different dielectric materials are tested with the assistance of a charge excitation TENG (CE‐TENG) to reveal the relationships between charge generation, air breakdown, and dielectric charge leakage in the atmospheric environment. Further, the phenomenon of dielectric charge leakage limiting the maximum output of TENG prior to air breakdown is observed for the first time. With the simultaneous suppression of the air breakdown and dielectric charge leakage, the output of TENG is enhanced to 2.2 mC m−2. This work not only provides new insight into the performance optimization and material selection of TENG, but also provides significant guidance for obtaining high‐output TENG in the future.