Effects of Embedded TiO2−x Nanoparticles on Triboelectric Nanogenerator Performance

Abstract

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are used as self-power sources for various types of devices by converting external waves, wind, or other mechanical energies into electric power. However, obtaining a high-output performance is still of major concern for many applications. In this study, to enhance the output performance of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based TENGs, highly dielectric TiO2−x nanoparticles (NPs) were embedded as a function of weight ratio. TiO2−x NPs embedded in PDMS at 5% showed the highest output voltage and current. The improved output performance at 5% is strongly related to the change of oxygen vacancies on the PDMS surface, as well as the increased dielectric constant. Specifically, oxygen vacancies in the oxide nanoparticles are electrically positive charges, which is an important factor that can contribute to the exchange and trapping of electrons when driving a TENG. However, in TiO2−x NPs containing over 5%, the output performance was significantly degraded because of the increased leakage characteristics of the PDMS layer due to TiO2−x NPs aggregation, which formed an electron path.

Charge trapping with α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles accompanied by human hair towards an enriched triboelectric series and a sustainable circular bioeconomy

“…To understand the significance of this work, we have compared in Table 3 the results of this work with those of previously published works on PDMS-based TENGs, most of which worked in a vertical contact-separation mode. 12,27,[34][35][36][37] It is evident that the TENG based on the novel tribo-material combination developed in this work compares well with previous TENGs and performs better than many of them; the current TENG showed very good output resulting from the new approach to modifying PDMS with the controlled insertion of α-Fe2O3 NPs. This is convenient and cost-effective method and the use of human hair as positive tribo-material offers a solid basis for biowaste management, with which novel technologies can be coupled.…”

“…The mean output power density approached a peak value of 247.2 µW/cm 2 , which is comparable with those of other works and better than many of those reported from existing research on PDMS-based TENGs. 12,27,[34][35][36][37] Although PDMS is the second most negative triboelectric material (after PTFE) 10 in the triboelectric series, PDMS and PDMS@α-Fe2O3 NP composite films showed output voltages and currents higher than those seen with use of PTFE film as a negative triboelectric layer (Fig. S9).…”

Recent Advances on Conducting Polymers Based Nanogenerators for Energy Harvesting

“…To deposit or coat on conductive electrodes, triboelectric materials with either positive or negative polarity are utilized. Various conductive materials, such as metals and carbon-based compounds, have been used as electrodes thus far [95]. Metal-based materials, on the other hand, are easily oxidized or corroded in a hostile environment during the chemical or electrochemical preparation of the nano-structured metals, which can have a significant impact on the long-term durability of the resulting TENGs [96].…”

Comb-structured triboelectric nanogenerators for multi-directional energy scavenging from human movements

“…The main advantage of the TENG is its effectiveness in harvesting mechanical energy or vibrations from our ambient environment at low cost, while retaining scalability to drive low-power, large scale, consumption systems [14]. To date, many researchers have studied the working mechanisms of the TENG and have shown enhancements in TENG output power while utilizing TENGs in various electronic, biomedical, and sensing applications [15][16][17][18][19]. Given that the working mechanism for vertical contact-mode TENGs and sliding-mode TENGs involves repeated contact and separation for energy production, multi-directional motions are difficult to effectively harvest [20].…”