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Polymer Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Cost‐Effective Green Energy Generation and Implementation of Surface‐Charge Engineering
Author(s) -
Lopez Diana,
Chowdhury Aminur Rashid,
Abdullah Abu Musa,
Sadaf Muhtasim Ul Karim,
Martinez Isaac,
Choudhury Brishty Deb,
Danti Serena,
Ellison Christopher J.,
Lozano Karen,
Uddin M. Jasim
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
energy technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.91
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 2194-4296
pISSN - 2194-4288
DOI - 10.1002/ente.202001088
Subject(s) - triboelectric effect , nanogenerator , materials science , voltage , mechanical energy , electrostatic induction , nanotechnology , electrical engineering , power (physics) , optoelectronics , composite material , engineering , chemistry , physics , quantum mechanics , piezoelectricity , electrode
Performance of triboelectric nanogenerators for harvesting mechanical energy from the ambient environment has been limited by structural complexity, cost‐effectiveness, and mechanical weakness of materials. Herein, a cost‐effective vertical contact separation mode triboelectric nanogenerator using polyethylene (PE) and polycarbonate (PC) in a regular digital versatile disc is reported. This cost‐effective nanogenerator with simplified structures is able to generate an open‐circuit voltage of 215.3 V and short‐circuit current of 80 μA. The effects of the distance of impact and the air gap between the triboelectric layers have also been tested from 3 to 9 cm, and 0.25 to 1 cm, respectively. It is determined that 0.5 cm is the optimal air gap. The nanogenerator is also tested in different real‐life scenarios including stresses produced by a moving car, walking, and a rolling skateboard over the nanogenerator. The surfaces of the triboelectric layers are further modified by surface‐charge engineering which induced a 460% increase in the output power. These tests reveal a significant electrical response and mechanical stability under stress. In summary, this study demonstrates that the relatively inexpensive PE and PC triboelectric pair has the potential to be used for highly efficient, mechanically robust triboelectric nanogenerators.