High-Performance Flexible Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on Environmentally Friendly, Low-Cost Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose for Energy Harvesting and Self-Powered Sensing

Abstract

The urgent need to address energy consumption and environmental issues has triggered a strong interest in triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), and thus, the exploration of novel materials with environmentally friendly characteristics and low cost for the preparation of high-output TENGs has shown great attraction. Herein, we proposed a method to increase the electron-donating ability of sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) by adding polyethyleneimine (PEI) to CMC through simple physical mixing. By systematically adjusting and optimizing the CMC concentration and its content with PEI, it not only greatly improves the tribopositive performance of CMC but also makes the prepared film have excellent flexibility. The obtained CMC/PEI-TENG open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current can reach 385 V and 51 μA, respectively, with a maximum output power density of 1.056 mW/cm 2 , which can easily power 320 commercial LEDs. Moreover, the triboelectric output is improved by approximately 1.7 times compared to that of pure phase CMC film-based TENG. In addition, the new TENG shows great potential as a self-powered power source and sensor. The novel CMC-based composite film TENG proposed in this study provides a new idea for the development of environmentally friendly TENGs.

Carboxymethyl cellulose-based materials as an alternative source for sustainable electrochemical devices: a review

“…This developed open circuit voltage and current can reach 385 V and 51 mA, respectively. 134 Recently, a very interesting application of TENG has been reported by Kang et al The babies who like to bite, TENG has come to their rescue. The prepared TENG based on Na-CMC and carboxymethyl chitosan dissolves quickly in aqueous environment without any side effects.…”

Wearable, Machine Washable, Breathable Polyethylenimine/Sodium Alginate Layer-by-Layer-Coated Cotton-Based Multifunctional Triboelectric Nanogenerators

“…PEI has previously been used to modify triboelectric behavior of polymers . However, in certain cases, the methods are not applicable for cotton, , they are intended for different applications, or they may severely compromise the comfort properties of cotton if used . In this study, LbL assembly has been used, which involves the deposition of alternate positively charged and negatively charged layers onto a substrate such that the layers adhere to each other and the substrate via electrostatic forces of attraction.…”