A Shared-Electrode and Nested-Tube Structure Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Motion Energy Harvesting

Abstract

Triboelectric nanogenerators with the function of harvesting human motion energy have attracted wide attention. Here, we demonstrate a shared-electrode and nested-tube structure triboelectric nanogenerator (SNTN) for harvesting human motion energy. The design of the SNTN employs flexible silicone rubber as the negative friction material and Ni-coated polyester conductive textile as the positive friction material and the electrode material. The entire structure consists of an inner triboelectric unit and an outer triboelectric unit. The inner triboelectric unit is formed by a hollow inner tube and a hollow middle tube, while the hollow middle tube and a hollow outer tube constitute the outer triboelectric unit. The hollow middle tube is used as the shared tube, and the electrode in the middle tube is used as the shared electrode of the two triboelectric units. Our research demonstrates that the output performance of the SNTN was improved significantly compared with a single triboelectric unit due to the cooperation of the two triboelectric units. When the SNTN is pressed by 300 N external force, output open-circuit voltage of 180 V and output short-circuit current of 8.5 μA can be obtained. The output electrical energy can light up 31 light-emitting diodes (LEDs) connected serially (displaying “XZTC”) and can drive a digital clock after rectifying storage, which shows application prospects in the field of illuminating devices and portable electronics.

Electric-field-driven interfacial trapping of drifting triboelectric charges via contact electrification

“…The TENG based on the Ni mesh as a control reference showed AC-type instantaneous electric output performance of about 470.3 V and 38.8 mA m À2 , comparable with others reported so far. [65][66][67][68][69][70][71][72][73] When SiO 2 NPs were coated on the Ni-mesh, V oc and J sc were increased to about 533.1 V and 92.6 mA m À2 , respectively. Interestingly, the J sc was significantly increased, while there was no significant increase in the V oc .…”

Flexible photoplethysmographic sensing devices for intelligent medical treatment

“…Flexible triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) and solar cells are common energy devices with stable performance and mature technology. 94–106…”

Biomechanical energy harvest based on textiles used in self-powering clothing

“…With the improvement of fiber preparation, fiberbased KNGs are incorporated into cloth, which have excellent abilities to be tailored and sewn 94 (Figure 3(d)). Two or more gaps between the inner tube, middle tube as well as out tube forming the hollow structure have been designed for converting energy from varied enforcing directions into electrical energy 54,95 (Figure 3(e) and (f)). However, there is a big issue that is electric leakage, which should be improved during application.…”