Output Of Triboelectric Nanogenerator Research Articles

Augmented triboelectric properties of graphene-filled poly(vinylidene difluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) nanofibers.

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are devices that convert mechanical energy into electrical energy through the triboelectric effect, supplying power to a wide array of advanced sensing and monitoring systems. In this work, we utilized graphene-filled nanofibrous poly(vinylidene difluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) as TENGs, employing electrospinning technology. We examined how the dielectric characteristics and transferred charge of the electrification mat affect the output of TENGs. By including graphene nanofillers, the 15 wt% graphene/PVDF-HFP electrospun nanofiber TENG achieved a peak output voltage of 1024 V and a relevant current density of 1.11 μA cm-2. The improved performance of the electrospun graphene/PVDF-HFP nanofibrous TENGs could be attributed to increased interface polarization and enhanced charge transfer, indicating more effective seize and storage of triboelectric electrons. Furthermore, the fabricated TENGs remained stable when tested for over 20 000 cycles and were capable of powering an array of 1000 light-emitting diode bulbs. The electrospun graphene-filled nanofibrous TENGs demonstrated significant potential for collecting mechanical energy and supplying power to electronic devices.

Flexible Triboelectric Nanogenerators Based on Cadmium Metal-Organic Framework/Eethyl Cellulose Composites as Energy Harvesters for Selective Photoinduced Bromination Reaction.

The fabrication of self-driven systems with flexibility and tunable output for organic photoinduction is highly desirable but challenging. In this study, a 3D cadmium metal-organic framework (Cd-MOF) is synthesized and used as a filler for ethyl cellulose (EC) to create mechanically durable and flexible Cd-MOF@EC composite films. Due to its well-established platform with periodically precise structure nature, the outputs of Cd-MOF-based TENG are much higher than those of ligand-based TENGs. Furthermore, composite films with different doping ratios of Cd-MOF are employed to assemble Cd-MOF@EC-based triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). The results reveal that a doping ratio of 10 wt.% Cd-MOF in Cd-MOF@EC provides the highest TENG output. Subsequently, a flexible 10 wt.% Cd-MOF@EC-based TENG (FCEC-TENG), working in the contact-separation model, is constructed to harvest mechanical energy from the human body, demonstrating excellent output performance and stability. The energy harvested from FCEC-TENG can directly illuminate 14 commercial white light-emitting diodes (LEDs), providing visible light for the photoinduction of the bromination reaction, and generating bromide with good yield and tolerance. This study presents an effective method for constructing flexible MOF-based TENG for self-powered photoinduced organic transformation systems.

A Synergistically Enhanced Triboelectric-Electromagnetic Hybrid Generator Enabled by Multifunctional Amorphous Alloy for Highly Efficient Self-Powered System.

Triboelectric-electromagnetic hybrid generator (TEHG) has emerged as an effective technology for mechanical energy harvesting. However, the independent operation of triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and electromagnetic generator (EMG), along with tribo-materials wear and magnetic field divergence, constrain the device's overall performance. To address these challenges, a synergistically enhanced TEHG (SE-TEHG) is proposed based on the multifunctional amorphous alloy. Following detailed material analyses, Fe72Si8B20 is selected as the synergistic layer for its low surface roughness, high Vickers-hardness, amorphous structure, and high magnetization. Compared to Al, this material not only boosts TENG's output current and current retention rate by 28.75% and 85.24%, but also improves EMG's output power by 51.05%. In constructing a self-powered system with TEHG, a significant impedance discrepancy exists between the energy harvester (with matched impendence of 16 MΩ for TENG and 110 kΩ for EMG) and the application end. Without power management circuits, the demonstrated self-powered variable impedance system achieves an energy utilization efficiency that is 2.98 times greater than the conventional constant impedance system. The integration of multifunctional materials to realize strong-coupling hybrid generators, combined with the customization of variable impedance systems, set a milestone in efficient mechanical energy harvesting and utilization.

Enhanced performance of TENG through graphene oxide and transition layer coupling: Achieving green energy harvesting and powering wearable devices

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) offer a novel approach to harvesting green energy due to their simple structure, low manufacturing cost, and suitability for collecting low-frequency mechanical energy. Previous research has primarily focused on the impact of single factors on the electrical output of TENGs, such as the generation, storage, or loss of triboelectric charges. In this study, we enhanced the generation of triboelectric charges by introducing graphene oxide (GO) and reduced charge loss through a Polyimide (PI) film as a transition layer. By combining both, we maximized the electrical output performance of the TENG. The ISC, VOC and charge of the optimized TL-TENG are 33.23 μA, 318.52 V and 152.03 nC, respectively, with a maximum output power of 2.6 W/m2. The results indicate that the performance enhancement from the transition layer exceeded that of GO alone, possibly because it reduced the electron drift rate by 97.37 %. Additionally, the TL-TENG demonstrated excellent mechanical durability, with ISC decrease of only 2.25 % after 5×104 contact-separation cycles. The device also showed effective metal anti-corrosion properties and could harvest energy from mechanical vibrations and human motion, powering at least 107 LEDs and supporting small electronic devices such as digital watches. The outcomes of this study hold promise for providing reliable energy sources for wearable devices and offer theoretical guidance for designing high performance TENGs.

Waste-to-energy: Repurposing flexible polyurethane waste for triboelectric nanogenerator applications

Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENG) is a promising approach for clean energy harvesting. Light weight, flexible, cheap and environmentally-friendly materials are being explored as potential components in the TENG device in order to increase its efficiency. This paper reports the first effort to successfully utilize rebonded flexible polyurethane (RFPU) waste as a tribopositive material in a TENG device. A batch moulding technique was used to create two different densities (60 and 70 kg/m3) of flexible polyurethane (FPU) scraps, including customer waste and slabstock foam production waste. The current study investigates the effect of density on the compression strengths of the RFPU materials, as well as the impact on the output voltage of the TENG. Additionally, the effect of various RFPU sheet thicknesses (2, 4, 6, and 8 mm) as well as the effect of different applied forces and frequencies on the TENG's output voltage were investigated. The findings showed that the compressive strength increases with higher RFPU density. The output voltage values of the TENG device were recorded both with and without pre-charging. The results, without pre-charging, revealed that the highest output voltage of the TENG was obtained using an RFPU sheet with a density of 60 kg/m3. Furthermore, output voltage was shown to decrease with increasing RFPU sheet thickness and to increase with applied frequency. Pre-charging showed a similar trend, but yielded better results compared to the RFPU samples that were not pre-charged. The power density peaked at 0.085 mW/cm2, at a load resistance of 5 MΩ and a force of 4.7 N. The RFPU-based TENG successfully powered four white LEDs connected in series. Analysis of the embodied energy associated with using PU foam waste instead of virgin PU foam was conducted and demonstrated that utilizing PU foam waste provides environmental benefits due to the significant contribution of raw materials to the overall embodied energy in PU foam that is saved when reusing foam waste. Additionally, assessing the embodied energy of the components of the TENG device was also conducted and shows that the generated energy can partially offset the embodied energy of the TENG device. As a result, the prepared RFPU material not only helps to safeguard the environment but also shows great promise for use in developing more efficient and affordable TENGs in the future.

Triboelectric Nanogenerators Based on Transition Metal Carbo-Chalcogenide (Nb2S2C and Ta2S2C) for Energy Harvesting and Self-Powered Sensing.

With burgeoning considerations over energy issues and carbon emissions, energy harvesting devices such as triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are developed to provide renewable and sustainable power. Enhancing electric output and other properties of TENGs during operation is the focus of research. Herein, two species (Nb2S2C and Ta2S2C) of a new family of 2D materials, Transition Metal Carbo-Chalcogenides (TMCCs), are first employed to develop TENGs with doping into Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Compared with control samples, these two TMCC-based TENGs exhibit higher electric properties owing to the enhanced permittivity of PDMS composite, and the best performance is achieved at a concentration of 3wt. ‰ with open circuit voltage (Voc) of 112V, short circuit current (Isc) of 8.6µA and charge transfer (Qsc) of 175nC for Nb2S2C based TENG, and Voc of 127V, Isc of 9.6µA, and Qsc of 230nC for Ta2S2C based TENGs. These two TENGs show a maximum power density of 1360 and 911mWm-2 respectively. Moreover, the tribology performance is also evaluated with the same materials, revealing that the Ta2S2C/PDMS composite as the electronegative material presented a lower coefficient of friction (COF) than the Nb2S2C/PDMS composite. Their applications for energy harvesting and self-powered sensing are also demonstrated.

Control of crystal orientation for enhanced triboelectric nanogenerator design

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have shown promise in converting mechanical energy into electrical energy and are gaining attention in energy harvesting for self-powered sensors. Although extensive strategies have been explored to enhance TENG performance through new materials development and chemical/physical modification, the influence of crystal orientation has been mostly overlooked. In this work, we investigated the effect of crystal orientation on TENG output using [012] and [001]-oriented single crystalline alumina as a triboelectric material. Our comprehensive characterization and analysis show that the [001]-oriented alumina is a more positive triboelectric material than the [012]-oriented alumina. We also analyzed the root cause of the enhanced TENG performance. Our findings emphasize the importance of crystal orientation in TENG design and provide insights into the underlying mechanism governing this triboelectrification effect.

Isotropically Polarized Bipiezoelectric Polyacrylonitrile-Poly(vinylidene Fluoride) Advanced Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Operation in High-Humidity Environments.

Conventional hybrid piezo-triboelectric nanogenerators (PTNGs) have potential applications as energy supply devices for microelectronic devices, but their low power density and unstable performance under high-humidity conditions are challenges that need to be solved. Here, we report a novel flexible hybrid bifiezo-triboelectric nanogenerator (Bi-PTNG) based on isotropic polarization design of piezoelectric PVDF and PAN nanofiber membranes, which greatly improves power density of devices and performances in high-humidity conditions. The performance enhancement mechanism of the Bi-PTNG was investigated by model analysis, experimental measurements, and simulations. The results showed that the power density output of Bi-PTNG increased by approximately 88% compared to that of a depolarized PAN/PVDF-based triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). The application studies demonstrated that a 2 × 2 cm2 Bi-PTNG can be directly used to run more than 120 commercial LEDs, and this highly flexible and breathable all-fiber device can be integrated into clothing or insoles to monitor human movement in high-humidity conditions. This work not only provides an effective strategy for enhancing the power output of TENGs and advancing their practical applications but also offers robust guidance for the material selection and optimization of the polarization direction in such nanogenerators.

Triboelectric Nanogenerator Made with Stretchable, Antibacterial Hydrogel Electrodes for Biomechanical Sensing.

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have attracted widespread attention as a promising candidate for energy harvesting due to their flexibility and high power density. To meet diverse application scenarios, a highly stretchable (349%), conductive (1.87 S m-1), and antibacterial electrode composed of carbon quantum dots/LiCl/agar-polyacrylamide (CQDs/LiCl/agar-PAAm) dual-network (DN) hydrogel is developed for wearable TENGs. Notably, the concentration of agar alters the pore spacing and pore size of the DN hydrogel, thereby impacting the network cross-linking density and the migration of conductive ions (Li+ and Cl-). This variation further affects the mechanical strength and conductivity of the hydrogel electrode, thus modulating the mechanical stability and electrical output performance of the TENGs. With the optimal agar content, the tensile strength and conductivity of the hydrogel electrode increase by 211 and 719%, respectively. This enhancement ensures the stable output of TENGs during continuous operation (6000 cycles), with open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, and transferred charge increasing by 200, 530, and 155%, respectively. Additionally, doping with CQDs enables the hydrogel electrode to effectively inhibit the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli. Finally, the TENGs are utilized as a self-power smart ring for efficient and concise information transmission via Morse code. Consequently, this study introduces a creative approach for designing and implementing multifunctional, flexible wearable devices.

Enhancing output performance of triboelectric nanogenerators with ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles in biodegradable polylactic acid for sustainable energy harvesting

ABSTRACT The development of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) using sustainable materials addresses the global electronic waste issue. This research focuses on fabricating a TENG device with biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) as the tribopositive material and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as the tribonegative material. ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles are incorporated into the PLA matrix to enhance surface charge density and synthesised via a simple combustion method. PLA-ZnFe2O4 composite films were prepared by solvent casting with varying nanofiller content (0.25, 0.45, 0.65, and 0.85 g). Prepared composites were characterised by Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD) for crystalline nature and phase purity, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for vibrational analysis, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for surface morphology. The inclusion of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles improves TENG output performance, with a maximum output voltage of 18.4 V and a current of 1.57 µA observed for a PLA (poly(lactic acid)) composite with 39.39% nanoparticle content. Electrical studies on the optimised device show successful charging of various capacitors and powering 20 LEDs and a calculator. Body movements like walking and jumping were also tested to measure voltage and current outputs. These findings highlight new possibilities for developing smart, self-powered electronic devices.

Aluminosilicate-based material fabricated from fly ash for energy harvesting application

A triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is an emerging energy harvesting technology that utilizes the combination of triboelectrification and electrostatic induction to collect wasted mechanical energy and convert it into electricity. In this work, an aluminosilicate (AS)-based composite, considered as a potential alternative to cement material, has been developed for the fabrication of TENGs. Herein, the AS material is synthesized through the alkali activation of fly ash using a mixture of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) solutions as activating agents. The electrical output of AS TENGs can be optimized by tuning the liquid-to-solid powder (L/S) ratio during the fabrication of AS composites. The AS composites fabricated at different L/S ratios exhibit the variations in dielectric properties, surface morphology and microstructure. It is found that a high dielectric constant is not the only requirement for achieving optimal TENG output performance. The contribution of dielectric properties and microstructures of the AS composites on TENG performance is discussed. The AS composite with an optimal L/S ratio of 0.5 results in the highest TENG power output density of 2.78 W/m2. Additionally, the versatility of AS TENG to harvest mechanical energy and its application as a power source for portable electronic device are demonstrated. This research has proposed the promising aspect of AS composites as alternative construction materials capable of harvesting mechanical energy, which is essential for the development of green and sustainable power sources.

A Resonance‐Based Study of the Output Characteristics of Spring‐Assisted Triboelectric Nanogenerator

The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is a new type of energy conversion technology capable of transforming various forms of environmental energy into electricity. However, most of the existing spring‐assisted TENGs (S‐TENGs) are based on the vertical contact‐separation mode, which has low energy‐harvesting efficiency and insufficient research on the performance output of TENG under near‐resonant frequency conditions. In this article, a low‐cost S‐TENG with independent layer mode is designed for vibration energy harvesting. The effects of different vibration parameters and structural parameters on the output performance are comprehensively investigated. In the experimental results, it is shown that the output voltage of the S‐TENG reaches its peak at a frequency of 50 Hz, achieving ≈40 V. To validate the capability of S‐TENG in powering low‐power devices, 20 LED lights are successfully lit. It is found that the maximum output power across the external resistor of 8 MΩ is 0.4 mw. It is also investigated that the output characteristics of S‐TENG under resonance and the results showed that higher output electric power can be achieved when the vibration frequency is close to the intrinsic frequency of the S‐TENG. In this finding, the potential of S‐TENG in optimized energy‐harvesting applications, particularly in resonance‐enhanced scenarios.

Ethylcellulose and bismuth sodium titanate-barium zirconate titanate (BNT-BZT) composite fibers for triboelectric energy harvesting

Green cellulose and toxic-free/rare earth-free nanomaterials are promising towards the development of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) as energy harvesters for sustainable electronics. In this study, ethylcellulose (EC) and bismuth sodium titanate-barium zirconate titanate (BNT-BZT) are used as raw materials. An EC and BNT-BZT composite fiber mat was prepared by electrospinning and used as a positive triboelectric layer in a friction nanogenerator, while fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) was used as a negative triboelectric layer. After optimizing the electrospinning parameters and characterizing the materials, the developed TENG output power was studied as a function of the BNT-BZT doping concentration in the EC. At 2 wt% of doping, the output voltage of the TENG has a 3-fold increase compared with that obtained with a pure EC mat as the positive triboelectric layer. In addition, the TENG showed good output performance and operating stability after exposure to high temperature (70 ºC) and relative humidity (90 %). The maximum output power density of 134 μW/cm2 was obtained at a load resistance of 210 MΩ, showing good prospects in powering Internet of Things (IoT) sensor nodes.

ZnO-based triboelectric nanogenerator and tribotronic transistor for tactile switch and displacement sensor applications

Tribotronics, the coupling of triboelectricity and semiconductors, is a novel field that has sparked much interest in the nanoelectronics and nanoenergy industries. This work presents the fabrication of a ZnO tribotronic transistor by combining a ZnO thin film transistor (ZnO-TFT) and a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) operating in vertical contact separation mode. A Si/SiO2/ZnO/Au structure was used to construct a bottom-gated ZnO-TFT. Radiofrequency (RF) magnetron sputtering was employed to deposit ZnO thin film, and the Au contact was achieved through thermal evaporation. A range of annealing temperatures was investigated, and ZnO TFT annealed at 500 °C exhibited a maximum electron mobility of 5.47 cm2/V s and a high on/off ratio of 105. We also investigated the photoresponse of this optimized ZnO-TFT using a UV LED. A vertical contact separation mode TENG was fabricated using ZnO (tribo-positive layer) and polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF, tribo-negative layer) and combined with the ZnO TFT to fabricate a tribotronic transistor. The drain current of the tribotronic transistor dropped from 2.9 to 0.02 µA at a drain voltage of 5 V when the tribo layers were separated by 15 mm. Within the separation region of 2 mm, the device showed a 1.29 µA/mm change in drain current demonstrating its effectiveness in displacement sensing. Unlike conventional TFTs, the TENG's output could successfully control the tribotronic transistor's drain current and was innovative in such domains where conventional electrical components were constrained. Furthermore, this ZnO tribotronic device was used as an active smart tactile switch by simply touching or releasing the ZnO TENG with a finger.

Triboelectric Series of Two‐dimensional Metal Carbide MXenes

AbstractThe ever‐increasing prevalence of intelligent electronics underscores an escalating demand for sustainable power sources. Among the emerging energy harvesting technologies, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) stand out as a promising solution for such pressing needs. To date, ongoing efforts have primarily focused on enhancing TENG output, particularly through the development of novel triboelectric materials. Among the potential candidates is the thriving class of two‐dimensional transition‐metal carbides, MXenes, which have predominantly been incorporated into triboelectric layers as nanofillers to enhance their triboelectric properties. Yet, the specific triboelectric characteristics of distinct MXenes remain marginally explored. Herein, the triboelectric properties of various metal carbide MXenes, i.e., V2CTx, Ti3C2Tx, and Nb2CTx, are investigated by assessing the performance of various MXene‐based TENGs combined with different polymers and analyzing their surface potential. According to the attained triboelectric polarities, a triboelectric series of the studied MXenes is determined, demonstrating their remarkable positive triboelectric properties. Further investigations preliminarily reveal the influence of the synthesis method, etchants, intercalating compounds, and postsynthesis procedures on the triboelectric properties of MXenes. Hence, beyond extending the conventional triboelectric series to different metal carbide MXenes, the findings present innovative perspectives on leveraging MXenes to develop high‐performance TENGs for flexible and wearable electronics.

In-situ amino-functionalized and reduced graphene oxide/polyimide composite films for high-performance triboelectric nanogenerator

As a promising sustainable power source in intelligent electronics, Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs) have garnered widespread interest, with various strategies explored to enhance their output performance. However, most optimization methods for triboelectric materials have focused solely on tuning chemical compositions or fabricating surface microstructures. Here, we have prepared amino-functionalized reduced graphene oxide (FRGO)/polyimide (PI) composite films (PI-FRGO) via in-situ polymerization, aimed at enhancing PI materials’ nanotribological power generation performance. By varying the doping levels of amino groups and controlling the FRGO proportion during synthesis, we can explore the optimal FRGO/PI composite film ratio. At a p-Phenylenediamine: reduced Graphene Oxide (PPDA: RGO) ratio of 1:1 and an FRGO addition of 0.1 %, the output electrical performance peaks with a voltage of 58 V, a charge of 33 nC and a current of 12 μA, nearly 2 times that of a pure PI film. We have fabricated a TENG with an optimally formulated PI-FRGO composite to explore its application potential. Under a 10 MΩ external load resistance, the TENG can deliver a power density of 3.5 mW/m2 and can be powering small devices. This work presents new effective strategies to significantly enhance TENG output performance and promote their widespread application.

Dual polarity open circuit voltage in triboelectric nanogenerators originated from two states series impedance

Experimental and simulation studies demonstrated that the initial voltage setting significantly influences the open-circuit voltage (VOC) in triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). Utilizing diode configurations, we consistently observed two distinct VOCs independent of the initial settings. A lower VOC corresponded to the surface voltage (VSurface), while a higher VOC was amplified by the product of the VSurface and the TENG's characteristic impedance ratio. Notably, a lower measurement system capacitance provided a more precise representation of the inherent characteristics of the TENG. Conversely, an increase in system impedance led to a convergence of the two VOCs and a reduction in their magnitudes relative to VSurface. These findings suggest that optimizing the initial/repeated charge balancing and minimizing capacitive loads are crucial for maximizing TENG output power in practical applications.

Keplerate-Type Polyoxometalates-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Higher Performance via the Morphology Modulation of Blackberry Structure.

The tribe-material is the key factor affecting the performance of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). Inorganic materials have higher heat resistance and stability than widely used organic materials. However, the weaker tribe-property limits the application of TENGs. Modulating surface roughness by changing particle shape and size is a simple way to increase performance for TENGs. Polyoxometalates (POMs) have unrivalled structural diversity and can self-assemble to form different nanostructures. In this study, we propose [{(NH4)42[Mo72 VIMo60 VO372(CH3COO)30 (H2O)72] ⋅ ca.300H2O ⋅ ca.CH3COONH4)}-Mo132] and [{Na8K14(VO)2[{(MoVI) (Mo5 VIO21)(H2O)3]}10{(MoVI)Mo5 VIO21(H2O)3 (SO4)}2{VIVO(H2O)20} {VIVO}10({KSO4}5)2] ⋅ 150H2O)}-Mo72V30] with blackberry structure which are cured and prepared into film by spin-coating technique, are used as positive tribe-materials for the first time in the field of TENGs. Keplerate-type POMs can form blackberry structures with higher dispersibility and flexibility, which can be used to control surface roughness by regulating the size of particles. The discovery proves that the particle size influences the surface roughness, which adjusts the output of TENGs. According to our findings, Mo132-h-TENG generates an output voltage of 29.3 V, an output charge of 8 Nc, which is 2-3 folds higher than Mo132-TENG, and a maximum power density of 6.25 mW ⋅ m-2 at 300 MΩ. Our research provides that altering the dimensional size can be an available way to raise the output of TENGs.

Reduced graphene oxide/TiO2 hybrid synergistically enhanced polyimide nanofibers with high triboelectric output and thermal charge stability

The output performance of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) can drop dramatically in high temperature environments because of the thermionic emission effect. To enhance the thermal charge stability and expand the working temperature of TENG, polyimide nanofibers (PINF) were synergistically enhanced by the electron trapping mechanism of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and interfacial polarization of TiO2. With the multiple enhancement effect of polyimide/rGO/TiO2 composite nanofibers (PRTNF) on triboelectric output, PRTNF-TENG generated an open circuit voltage of 228.26 V and a short circuit current of 5.22 μA, which were 3.80 and 3.48 times higher than those of PINF-TENG. The effective output of polymer-based TENG was investigated from 25 − 300 °C. Compared to room temperature, the PRTNF-TENG can maintain 19.45 % (44.39 V) and 18.20 % (0.95 μA) of the voltage and current at 300 °C, respectively, and still drive 50 commercial LEDs. Furthermore, PRTNF-TENGs were applied as self-powered sensors for firefighters to provide real-time motion monitoring and ambient temperature detection. This PRTNF-TENG has broad application prospects for energy harvesting and smart electronic monitor in harsh environments such as fire and space.

Enhanced triboelectricity through visible-light-induced surface charges in BTO-polymer hybrid for coexistence solar-mechanical energy harvesting

The exploration of hybrid composites holds great promise in the pursuit of synergistic energy-harvesting solutions, providing an efficient approach to tap into multiple energy sources. One striking example is the BTO (BaTiO3)-polymer hybrid where its high dielectric constant and the piezo-/ferroelectricity are leveraged to improve the triboelectricity of the polymer-based triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). Beyond this, the BTO also exhibits a photoactive nature, which, until now, has not been exploited to enhance triboelectricity. In this study, a facile method to exploit BTO’s photoresponses in a BTO-polymer hybrid is reported, where surface states present in BTO nanoparticles enable visible spectrum absorption, and the interfaces are designed to facilitate charge spatial separation. Upon visible light illumination, surface charges are generated on the BTO-polymer hybrid, significantly enhancing the photo-induced charge electrification, which in turn boosts the TENG output. These findings demonstrate the possibility of simultaneously harvesting solar and mechanical energies in TENGs using ceramic-polymer hybrids. Additionally, the study employs multiple advanced Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) techniques to elucidate the roles of each component and interface in energy harvesting, shedding light on the functional material design. This work not only broadens the variety of energy sources for TENGs but also addresses the growing demand for sustainable and adaptable methods of power generation.