Synergistic effect of unidirectional charge accumulation and electrostatic discharge: Simplified design approach for dramatic output enhancement of triboelectric nanogenerator

Abstract

In the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) field, an innovative output enhancement strategy toward the ampere (A)-level and a broad design guideline to realize this strategy remain elusive. Herein, we propose self-enhanced electrostatic discharge triboelectric nanogenerator (SED-TENG) that has a simple design and mechanism to achieve ultrahigh current output performance. The SED-TENG based on the proposed synergistic effect between unidirectional charge accumulation and direct electron flow generated a peak voltage of approximately 2200 V, peak current of 7 A, and transferred charge of 50 μC in one cycle. The SED-TENG was optimized in terms of various design variables and circuit configurations by quantitatively comparing its peak and RMS outputs. The electrical output of the SED-TENG was investigated in various operating environments and under diverse conditions. Under a broad range of load resistances, the SED-TENG exhibited outstanding instantaneous and average output power characteristics. The SED-TENG can be utilized as ultrahigh performance energy harvesting tile, for example, the artificial grass-integrated SED-TENG generated stable outputs during walking and running. As practical applications, the SED-TENG was able to brightly illuminate 3000 LEDs and 56 W/108 W commercial fluorescent lamps, continuously operate three commercial sensor arrays without a time limit, furthermore, produce hydrogen/oxygen via water splitting.