Triboelectric nanogenerator with asymmetric multilayer arc electrodes to improve performance

Abstract

The role of wind energy in the emerging energy market is crucial and it holds the potential to emerge as a promising clean energy source. The triboelectric nanogenerator represents a revolutionary paradigm in wind energy harvesting devices, having engendered considerable scholarly interest due to its innovative approach and potential implications. Among its various working modes, freestanding mode is considered the most effective for harvesting rotating energy. In this paper, a freestanding mode multilayer triboelectric nanogenerator is proposed, which is characterized by asymmetric arc electrode structure, and the usual freestanding mode electrodes are positioned at a certain angle to improve the output of the generator. Operating at a frequency of 1 Hz, it is exclusively the single-layer arc electrode that can yield an instantaneous power output of 1.625 mW, while concurrently facilitating the transfer of a charge quantified at 197 nC. Compared to an untreated electrode, exhibiting an enhancement of 11-fold in terms of power output and 3.5-fold with respect to charge transfer. Additionally, the generator’s electrodes are cleverly designed with an asymmetric multilayer structure, resulting in higher space utilization within the generator. The asymmetric arc triboelectric nanogenerator (AA-TENG) presents a viable solution for effectively harvesting wind energy in nature.