Tribocharging and the Triboelectric Series

Abstract

Tribocharging is a process in which materials contact one another, rub, and then separate, each with a resulting charge distribution. This process is familiar and applied extensively in processes such as electrophotography and energy harvesting, but it is not completely understood. The triboelectric series is a qualitative or semiquantitative ordering of materials according to their tendency to develop a positive or negative net charge when tribocharged against other materials. It is remarkable that, despite differences in surface preparation, modes of contact among materials, and laboratory conditions, triboelectric series generated by different groups remain largely consistent with each other. This article examines a variety of triboelectric series, discrepancies among them, and the competing possible mechanisms behind tribocharging, which appear to include electron transfer, ion transfer, H + and OH – partitioning, bond dissociation, chemical changes, and material transfer. Combinations of these mechanisms may occur simultaneously but at different rates, which may help to explain some of the inconsistencies among different triboelectric series.

Dry-Coated Graphite onto Sandpaper for Triboelectric Nanogenerator as an Active Power Source for Portable Electronics

“…After dry-coating of graphite onto sandpaper, it is encapsulated with PTFE adhesive tape to firmly hold the graphite powder with sandpaper. As PTFE is a good triboelectric material due to its high tribo-negative nature, according to the triboelectric series [36], and its low cost, high mechanical durability and high output efficiency characteristics makes it a suitable candidate for TENG. Then, the stacked structure is subjected to the roll-to-roll press to ensure firm adhesion of graphite powder onto the sandpaper.…”

Fundamental theories and basic principles of triboelectric effect: A review

“…d denotes the distance between the two "planar, equally and oppositely charged" surfaces [49]. Note that the term 2 0 nde  indicates the electrostatic free energy in ion transfer, which serves as the determining factor for either positive or negative ion transfer.…”

“…A more scientific segregation for the triboelectric series based on pure metals as the division points can be referred to in Ref. [49]. The intensive research has cast light on some triumphing trend explanation for the above triboelectric series.…”

“…7 [2,49]. One direct observation for the cyclic triboelectric series lies on the co-existence of materials of different types, different structures, and different compositions.…”

Engineered Polymers in Packaging: Some Solutions to Prevent Electrostatic Discharge

“…The electrostatic discharge (ESD) phenomenon is due to static electricity. It is often generated through tribocharging, which consists in the separation of electric charges occurring when materials are brought into contact and then separated [1][2][3]. Although the Greek word ''tribo" means "rubbing", it is enough a brief contact between surfaces for giving the effect.…”