High-Performance Hybrid Triboelectric Generators Based on an Inversely Polarized Ultrahigh β-Phase PVDF

Abstract

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have been recognized as a key potential solution for powering microdevices by converting mechanical energy and interfacial friction to electricity. The TENG device performance can be enhanced by the incorporation of ferroelectric materials, either ferroelectric polymers or ceramic particles, at the contact interface. Contact between ferroelectric components at the TENG contact interface leads to an increased electrostatic induction from the piezoelectric dipoles. If the ferroelectric polarization between adjacent contact surfaces is inversely polarized, an even greater enhancement in mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion can be observed. Here, we are reporting a TENG device based on such inversely polarized ferroelectric contact interfaces. An ultrahigh β-phase content (88%) poly(vinylidene fluoride) (β-PVDF) is produced by the folding and pressing method followed by electrical poling in opposing directions. A 5 cm 2 inversely polarized β-PVDF TENG was demonstrated to generate an open-circuit voltage of 1350 V and a short-circuit current of 0.5 mA upon contact separation. A maximum power of 24 W m −2 can be achieved, which is among the highest outputs among PVDF-based TENGs reported to date.

Ferroelectric Material in Triboelectric Nanogenerator

“…Recently, Šutka et al showcased notable advancements in the energy conversion efficiency of TENGs by integrating ferroelectric materials like β-PVDF and ferroelectric ceramic particles at the TENG contact interface ( Figure 7 a) [ 96 ]. Importantly, this addition not only bolstered the electrostatic induction strength but also augmented the efficiency of mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion, especially evident when the polarization states of these ferroelectric elements displayed depolarization characteristics.…”

“…Reprinted with permission from Ref. [ 96 ] Copyright 2023 American Chemical Society. ( c ) A diagram is presented to illustrate the interface interaction among MXene nanosheets with PVDF strands.…”