Robust Swing‐Structured Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Efficient Blue Energy Harvesting

Abstract

Ocean wave energy is a promising renewable energy source, but harvesting such irregular, “random,” and mostly ultra‐low frequency energies is rather challenging due to technological limitations. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) provide a potential efficient technology for scavenging ocean wave energy. Here, a robust swing‐structured triboelectric nanogenerator (SS‐TENG) with high energy conversion efficiency for ultra‐low frequency water wave energy harvesting is reported. The swing structure inside the cylindrical TENG greatly elongates its operation time, accompanied with multiplied output frequency. The design of the air gap and flexible dielectric brushes enable mininized frictional resistance and sustainable triboelectric charges, leading to enhanced robustness and durability. The TENG performance is controlled by external triggering conditions, with a long swing time of 88 s and a high energy conversion efficiency, as well as undiminished performance after continuous triggering for 4 00 000 cycles. Furthermore, the SS‐TENG is demonstrated to effectively harvest water wave energy. Portable electronic devices are successfully powered for self‐powered sensing and environment monitoring. Due to the excellent performance of the distinctive mechanism and structure, the SS‐TENG in this work provides a good candidate for harvesting blue energy on a large scale.

Recent progress of triboelectric nanogenerators: From fundamental theory to practical applications

“…31,125 In order to effectively collect the water wave energy, TENGs with various structure design have been proposed, including spring-based structure, 126 wavyelectrode structure, 127,128 duck-shaped structure, 129 rolling spherical structure, 130,131 and air-driven membrane structure, 132 swing structure. 27,133 Spring-based structure is capable of transforming instantaneous mechanical impact energy into elastic potential energy, so that low-frequency output power of the TENG can be improved. Jiang et al designed a spring-assisted TENG for harvesting water wave energy, which is composed of two spring-connected acrylic blocks and an acrylic box ( Figure 10A).…”

“…Subsequently, Jiang et al reported a robust swing-structured TENG for efficient blue energy harvesting. 27 An air gap between the triboelectric layers and electrodes, and flexible insulative brushes were employed to reduce the frictional resistance and maintain surface charges, thereby improving the durability and stability of the TENG. Under one triggering, a swing time of 88 seconds can be achieved by the TENG device, and its transferred charge remains nearly unchanged after 400 000 cycles.…”

“…Copyright 2015, American Chemical Society. Fully enclosed TENG: Reproduced with permission 27 . Copyright 2020, Wiley‐VCH.…”

Triboelectric Nanogenerator (TENG)—Sparking an Energy and Sensor Revolution

“…[16,17] Recently, TENG has reached an energy harvesting efficiency of 28% by triggering in water. [18] In conclusion, we presented a summary about the fundamentals related to TENG. This is a new invention, and it is anticipated to have many unique applications in fields such…”

“…[ 16,17 ] Recently, TENG has reached an energy harvesting efficiency of 28% by triggering in water. [ 18 ]…”