Programmed-triboelectric nanogenerators—A multi-switch regulation methodology for energy manipulation

Abstract

Energy manipulation from the mechanical power source is an essential segment for self-powered electronics and the potential application in the Internet of Things. Inspired by the concept of programming, we proposed a programmed-triboelectric nanogenerators (P-TENGs) using mechanical switches regulation methodology for energy manipulation. It is based on three unit-operations, which were extracted from the mechanism of conventional TENGs. A specific sequence and combination of the three unit-operations, considered as a program realized by hardware, can achieve a power amplification easily, which is desired for the design of TENGs devices. There can be an infinite number of feasible programs to be designed based on the specific application scenarios and physical constraints. In this study, three different programs, current amplifier, Bennet doubler, and charge oscillator, are designed and physically realized to illustrate the programming concept and achieve a ~kV level voltage output. The material selection and structure design, which is the major concern for conventional TENGs devices, no longer exist in P-TENGs. Even the contact surfaces with the same material still make the device functional. Instead, P-TENGs meet other constraints such as high-k coating materials and high voltage breakdown. It is envisioned that the proposed mechanical switches regulation methodology can enable an alternative approach to the research of triboelectric nanogenerators. • A programming method is proposed to boost up the energy for triboelectric nanogenerators. • The programming method involving a multi-switch involved mechanical operation can be adopted by all kinds of TENGs devices. • The amplitude of the voltage is limited by the breakdown of the device, which can be improved by material optimization.