A high-efficiency bioinspired photoelectric-electromechanical integrated nanogenerator

Abstract

Currently, the key challenge in triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) is how to efficiently enhance the surface charge density. Here, a new strategy is proposed to increase the surface charge density by comprehensively utilizing solar energy and tidal energy, and a bioinspired photoelectric-electromechanical integrated TENG (Pem-iTENG) is developed. This enhancement of output performance is greatly attributed to the accumulation of photoelectrons from photocatalysis and the triboelectric negative charges from contact electrification. Pem-iTENG shows a maximal open-circuit voltage of 124.2 V and a maximal short-circuit current density of 221.6 μA cm−2 under tidal wave and sunlight, an improvement by nearly a factor of 10 over that of reported TENGs based on solid-liquid contact electrification. More importantly, it exhibits a high energy conversion efficiency according to the evaluation method for solar cells. This work provides insights into development of high-performance TENGs by using different natural energy sources.

Recent Advances towards Ocean Energy Harvesting and Self‐Powered Applications Based on Triboelectric Nanogenerators

“…Electrical outputs per area can be improved through modification and synthesis of materials, [ 172,173 ] because charge transfer ability, ductility, biocompatibility, portability and durability of materials affect the number of induced charges on surfaces of TENGs. [ 30,86,174–177 ] Material treatment methods include physical modifications (increasing surface roughness, changing surface morphology), [ 49,65,70 ] chemical modifications (chemical corrosion, composition modulation), [ 11,77,178 ] particle mixed, [ 34,75,76 ] and electrons injection. [ 47,58 ] At the same time, in the solid–liquid interface, hydrophobicity of materials needs to be improved, [ 63,65,76,79,80,179 ] and degradable materials, as environmentally friendly materials, have received attention from ocean energy harvesting.…”

“…[ 30,86,174–177 ] Material treatment methods include physical modifications (increasing surface roughness, changing surface morphology), [ 49,65,70 ] chemical modifications (chemical corrosion, composition modulation), [ 11,77,178 ] particle mixed, [ 34,75,76 ] and electrons injection. [ 47,58 ] At the same time, in the solid–liquid interface, hydrophobicity of materials needs to be improved, [ 63,65,76,79,80,179 ] and degradable materials, as environmentally friendly materials, have received attention from ocean energy harvesting. [ 41,75,84,85 ]…”

“…[ 38,45,90,143,194 ] PDMS with both hydrophobicity and high electronegativity, its output voltage can reach more than 1000V, which is favored by researchers. [ 76,137,169,195–199 ]…”

“…[ 34,67,68 ] In Section 5, the current technologies to improve the performance of TENGs are introduced in detail, including material surface modification, [ 49,69–72 ] ion implantation, [ 47,58,73,74 ] and chemical doping. [ 75–78 ] The specific features of TENGs to face the marine environment are also discussed, like improving the hydrophobicity of materials [ 79–83 ] and the degradation of biological materials. [ 31,84–88 ] Section 6 displays power management technology including arrangement of electrodes, energy storage unit, internal connection of cells, connection between units and control methods.…”

“…Reproduced with permission. [ 76 ] Copyright 2020, Springer Nature. h) Degrading gelatine/Mg, PLA/Mg films and Mg foil in natural water.…”