A Mobile and Self‐Powered Micro‐Flow Pump Based on Triboelectricity Driven Electroosmosis

Abstract

Electroosmotic pumps have been widely used in microfluidic systems. However, traditional high‐voltage (HV)‐sources are bulky in size and induce numerous accessional reactions, which largely reduce the system's portability and efficiency. Herein, a motion‐controlled, highly efficient micro‐flow pump based on triboelectricity driven electroosmosis is reported. Utilizing the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), a strong electric field can be formed between two electrodes in the microfluidic channel with an electric double layer, thus driving the controllable electroosmotic flow by biomechanical movements. The performance and operation mechanism of this triboelectric electroosmotic pump (TEOP) is systematically studied and analyzed using a basic free‐standing mode TENG. The TEOP produces ≈600 nL min−1 micro‐flow with a Joule heat down to 1.76 J cm−3 nL−1 compared with ≈50 nL min−1 and 8.12 J cm−3 nL−1 for an HV‐source. The advantages of economy, efficiency, portability, and safety render the TEOP a more conducive option to achieve wider applications in motion‐activated micro/nanofluidic transportation and manipulation.

A Novel Triboelectric Material Based on Deciduous Leaf for Energy Harvesting

“…Therefore, electrical energy storage is very important. According to previous research [3,7,12], the electrical signal was rectified by a rectifier bridge, stored in the small capacitor, and then supplied power to the electronic equipment, as shown in Figure 5a. Here, we studied the effect of DL-TENG charging capacitors at different frequencies.…”

“…Over the past few years, a series of energy conversion technologies, such as tidal power generators, thermoelectric generators, photoelectric generators, and wind turbine generators, have been developed [1][2][3][4]. In 2012, the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) was reported by the Wang group, which is based on the integration of triboelectrification and an electrostatic induction mechanism and has drawn the attention of researchers in many research fields due to its simple preparation, high electrical output, low-cost raw materials, and great application potential [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]. As we all know, friction motion widely exists in the environment; therefore, TENG's acquisition of friction mechanical energy is widespread.…”

Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Harvesting Wind Energy: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives

“…A flexible waterproof dual-mode textile triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) was reported by Gang et al for harvesting multiple energies including wind, rain and human motion [20]. Beyond that, TENG is also applied in portable electronic devices, active sensors, wireless sensor networks, implanted biomedical devices and other fields [21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29].…”

An Ultrafast Self‐Polarization Effect in Barium Titanate Filled Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride) Composite Film Enabled by Self‐Charge Excitation Triboelectric Nanogenerator

“…[6] However, these energy harvesting technologies often rely on high-frequency mechanical motion or specific functional materials. [7] Fortunately, the triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) proposed by Wang's group in 2012 based on the coupling of contact electrification and electrostatic induction effect [8] can effectively convert ubiquitous mechanical energy in the environment into electrical energy and is widely used in micro/nanopower sources, [9] self-powered sensors, [10] high-voltage source, [11] and blue energy. [12] Nonetheless, the development of TENG technology is hindered by low surface charge density obtained from triboelectrification of the material, which results in low output electric energy.…”