MXene-functionalized KNN dielectric nanofillers incorporated in PVA nanofibers for high-performance triboelectric nanogenerator

Abstract

The low surface charge density and consequent unsatisfactory energy conversion efficiency of nanogenerators hinder their capacious utility toward the emerging field of wearable electronics. The strategy of introducing dielectric fillers into a polymer matrix attempts to improve dielectric constant and, thereby, to enhance surface charge density but can hardly yield sufficient energy conversion efficiency. Herein, we report a high performance flexible and compressible triboelectric nanogenerator (FC-TENG) based on a lead-free dielectric material, potassium sodium niobate (KNN), embedded with Ti3C2Tx MXene fillers, blended into poly-vinyl alcohol (PVA) using an electrospinning technique. The role of MXene in dielectric functionalization is to promote the interfacial polarization effect by forming micro-capacitor structures or percolation systems and, thereby, to endow high charge-inducing and charge-trapping capabilities. As a result, the prepared 4 vol. % MXene loaded KNN/PVA nanofibers achieve a higher dielectric constant/dielectric loss factor, which leads to enhanced energy conversion efficiency of FC-TENGs with a maximum power density of ∼2780 mW/cm2. In addition, the selected device was employed into shoe-insoles to demonstrate its ability of capturing biomechanical energy, which reveals its potential to be utilized as a wearable power-source for next generation devices.

Flexible, humidity- and contamination-resistant superhydrophobic MXene-based electrospun triboelectric nanogenerators for distributed energy harvesting applications

“…Besides, two-dimensional (2D) Ti 3 C 2 T x MXenes with prominent properties such as high electronegativity and surface-charge density, metallic electrical conductivity, tunable surface chemistry, and a large specific surface area have been widely studied with promising results of greater charge-trapping ability, swift transfer of induced charges, and a large frictional contact area between triboelectric layers. 2,17,18 According to previous investigations, MXene-based TENG performance has been significantly improved based on the above-mentioned strategies. 19,20 In particular, with the morphological modification of MXenes, one-dimensional MXene/polymer composite nanofibers have attracted tremendous attention for the reason that electrospun nanofibers possess a porous, rough structure and a high specific surface area, promoting the frictional contact area and charge accumulation process.…”

“…35 Additionally, MoS 2 confers piezoelectricity-enhanced triboelectric performance by inducing piezoelectric charges on the surface during contact-electrification mode on applying external pressure. 17,36,37 CA, as one of the natural and biodegradable polymers, provides a preferential option over other polymers for its excellent and green triboelectric properties. The hydrophilic-to-hydrophobic transition properties of CA nanofibers have been achieved using the electrospinning technique.…”

Triboelectric Nanogenerator‐Enabled 3D Microporous Polydimethylsiloxane–Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite for Flexible Self‐Powered Humidity Sensing Applications

“…[24][25][26][27] Additionally, TENGs are self-powered devices, capable of converting mechanical energy from user movements into electrical energy, thereby eliminating the need for external power sources. [24][25][26][27][28] Designing TENG-based active gas sensors requires a tribomaterial that reacts to a specific gas. By absorbing the target gas on the surface of one electrode, the surface charge density generally changes, resulting in the alteration of output signals generated by TENG.…”

Highly sensitive self-powered ammonia gas detection enabled by a rationally designed PANI/commercial cellulosic paper based triboelectric nanogenerator

“…Advanced triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) technology invented by Wang's group in 2012 provides a unique approach to develop self-powered sensing systems without the need for external power sources. 12 Through the coupling of triboelectrification and electrostatic induction effects, 13–15 TENGs can convert external mechanical stimuli into electrical energy and were initially acting as a power source to drive traditional NH 3 sensors (independent mode). 16–20 For example, Tai et al developed a multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/PANI based ultrasensitive composite structure as the sensing unit, and the record high sensitivity (22.81% ppm −1 and 2.42% ppm −1 in the ranges of 0.2–1 ppm and 20–100 ppm, respectively) so far in this mode was realized via the impedance matching effect when it was connected with a PTFE-based TENG.…”