A high-performance triboelectric nanogenerator with improved output stability by construction of biomimetic superhydrophobic nanoporous fibers

Abstract

The utilization of nanoporous materials is an extremely effective approach to enhance the electrical performance of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). However, existing methods for preparing nanoporous tribo-materials are not only complicated, costly and time-consuming, but also waste a lot of material. Meanwhile, fabricated nanoporous tribo-materials that have low roughness by nature possess poor surface hydrophobicity, causing low output stability in humid environments. Here, a bio-inspired petiole-like micron fiber-based tribo-material with inner nanopores, rough surface nanostructures and superhydrophobicity is first designed that uses an extraordinarily simple, ultralow-waste and efficient single-component electrospinning process. The petiole-like structures and superhydrophobicity endow the assembled triboelectric nanogenerator (PMF-TENG) with outstanding electrical performance and superior output stability under humid conditions. With a giant power density of 56.9 W m–2 and a high peak-to-peak output voltage of 2209 V, the optimized PMF-TENG can not only be used as a biomechanical energy harvester to directly drive 833 light-emitting-diodes and small electronics, but also serve as a self-powered sensor to detect body motions. Moreover, under a high relative humidity of 80%, the output retention rate of the optimized PMF-TENG is 1.7 and 2.2 times higher than the TENG assembled with the traditional smoother solid nanofiber-based tribo-material and the monolithic nanoporous tribo-material-based TENG, respectively. This work provides an easy-to-fabricate high-performance nanoporous material-based TENG with ultralow material waste and extends its potential for application in humid conditions.

A Design of Flexible Triboelectric Generator Integrated with High‐Efficiency Energy Storage Unit

“…This is consistent with the conclusion of Zhang et al's work. [ 11 ] Furthermore, Zhang et al pointed out that the filamentous structure of PVDF membrane prepared with high‐concentration spinning solution contains a large number of nanopores inside and on the surface. Nanopores act as charge traps that can hold more charges on the surface of the membrane.…”

“…Electrospinning can effectively avoid the aforementioned disadvantages, but the method is limited by materials. [ 11 ] It is necessary to find new directions to improve the power generation performance of TEG. As for integration and application of TEG, Qin et al .…”

Design and engineering of high‐performance triboelectric nanogenerator for ubiquitous unattended devices

“…• Electrospinning: Electrospinning can quickly produce nanofibers from a wide range of materials in a continuous manner and has been used for fabricating triboelectric layers with high specific surface areas, and porosities. 36,86,[139][140][141] Cheon et al 86 reported a highperformance TENG using the electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride-silver NWs (PVDF-AgNWs) and nylon nanofibers with high specific surface areas, which functioned as the negative and positive triboelectric materials, respectively ( Figure 3F). The authors found that the addition of AgNWs enhanced the trapping of triboelectric charges and the surface charge potential in PVDF, both of which contribute to the observed significant enhancement in the output performances of the electrospun TENG device.…”

“…The content of DI water could adjust the porosity in the mixture. This work provides a more environmentally friendly way to achieve the porous sponge structure but suffers from the poorer controllability of the porosity than the methods using controlled sacrificial templates such as the PS spheres. Electrospinning : Electrospinning can quickly produce nanofibers from a wide range of materials in a continuous manner and has been used for fabricating triboelectric layers with high specific surface areas, and porosities 36,86,139‐141 . Cheon et al 86 reported a high‐performance TENG using the electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride‐silver NWs (PVDF‐AgNWs) and nylon nanofibers with high specific surface areas, which functioned as the negative and positive triboelectric materials, respectively (Figure 3F).…”

A Superhydrophobic Droplet‐Based Magnetoelectric Hybrid System to Generate Electricity and Collect Water Simultaneously

“…However, such electromagnetic generators are heavy, bulky, and immovable and are generally situated near dams, coasts, or river banks. [ 3–5 ] Furthermore, generating electricity using a traditional electromagnetic apparatus is difficult under low water supply, such as rainwater or fog. [ 6 ] Therefore, a small, novel, and portable electromagnetic system that can harvest energy from tiny water drops can act as a water‐electricity transducer; such a system is an alternative to traditional hydropower equipment.…”