Significant effect of synthesis methodologies of metal-organic frameworks upon the additively manufactured dual-mode triboelectric nanogenerator towards self-powered applications

Abstract

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) is an effective approach for the development of self-powered systems, as it offers several flexibilities, such as wide material choice, high power density, simple fabrication process, etc. In this present work, the zeolite imidazole framework (ZIF-8) is synthesized by two approaches: solvent-assisted (SA) and solvent-free (HG), and explored its applicability in TENG devices for energy harvesting. The formation of the highly crystalline ZIF-8 is established from structural and morphological studies. An attempt has been made to understand the surface roughness and surface potential of the synthesized materials that could directly fit their scopes in the addition of the conventional triboelectric series due to their positive surface potential. A cost-effective and facile approach of re-using the waste 3D printing parts is attempted to design vertical contact separation and single electrode mode TENG. The correlation between the material’s properties, such as surface potential and surface roughness, supports the ZIF-8 (HG)/Kapton-based dual-mode TENG device to deliver higher electrical output. The triple-unit TENG was designed and fabricated using an additive manufacturing route to achieve a voltage of 150 V and a current of 4.95 µA. Further, both the dual-mode TENG devices are demonstrated to explore self-powered applications by integration with robotics tilt table and biomechanical energy harvesting.