Investigating the annealing effects on the performance of polyvinyl alcohol-graphite-based triboelectric nanogenerator

Abstract

Annealing plays a crucial role in enhancing the performance, stability, and durability of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). By carefully controlling the annealing parameters, the material properties can be optimized and improve the overall efficiency of TENG devices for various practical applications. Herein, graphite (Gr) embedded polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite films are prepared by a solution casting technique and subjected to annealing at various temperatures below the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PVA. The annealed effects are thoroughly examined through characterizations involving PXRD, SEM, EDS, FTIR, and TGA. Subsequently, TENGs are fabricated utilizing the annealed composite films as the tribopositive material, polypropylene as the tribonegative material, and the impact of annealing on the device performance is investigated. At an annealing temperature of 80°C, the PVA-Gr TENG exhibited notably higher output voltage (VOC) and short-circuit current (ISC) of 200.24 V and 12.68 µA, respectively. In addition, the PVA-Gr TENG successfully charges electrolytic capacitors, powers a digital watch, operates a humidity and temperature sensor, and lights a series of green LEDs. Thus, the present study highlights the significant impact of annealing on the performance of PVA-Gr TENG, leading to enhanced output power and stability.