Direct-Current Rotary-Tubular Triboelectric Nanogenerators Based on Liquid-Dielectrics Contact for Sustainable Energy Harvesting and Chemical Composition Analysis

Abstract

Ambient mechanical energy harvesting technology introduces a promising solution to alleviate expanding energy demands on a sustainable basis, of which the drawbacks should attract attention for further advances. In this work, a liquid–dielectrics interface based triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) with direct-current output is reported as an energy harvester and a chemical sensor, with advantages of feasible fabrication, anti-wearing durability, and low energy consumption. The TENG consisting of an fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) tube and Cu electrodes is designed into a ring structure, with two electric brushes bilaterally anchored that converts an alternating-current output into direct-current output. The liquids and copper pellets as the fluid-state dielectrics are prefilled to generate triboelectric charges with an FEP tube. The relevant parameters of TENG are initially optimized, enabling a satisfactory output under rotating excitations. Furthermore, the inherent impacts of various liquids on the output performance of TENG are comprehensively studied, based on which chemical analysis system is developed. Meanwhile, the design for TENG with pellets is also modified for output-current enhancement. Finally, an assembled TENG has been demonstrated not only for energy harvesting without rectification but also for chemical detecting in liquid composition and moisture content analysis. The proposed TENG renders a more-efficient method for energy harvesting and greatly expands its application in direct-current self-powered systems.

Self-Powered Sensors and Systems Based on Nanogenerators

“…Under optimum conditions, this nanosensor has a detection limit of 30 nM and a linear range from 100 nM to 5 µM. Using Cu electrodes around a fluorinated ethylene propylene tube and placing two electric brushes bilaterally anchored, a liquid−dielectrics interface-based TENG is proposed in Figure 17e [183]. The electric brushes are introduced to convert the AC output current into DC output current, which enables energy harvesting without rectification.…”

Electronic View of Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Energy Harvesting: Mechanisms and Applications

“…Thus, σ is the most crucial parameter for evaluating the device output and highly related to the liquid inherent properties. The polarity and contact angle are also presented in Figure a [ 54 ] and show a positive correlation with the generated voltage. These parameters compose a complicated co‐effect on the device output.…”

Triboelectric Nanogenerator Network Integrated with Charge Excitation Circuit for Effective Water Wave Energy Harvesting

“…[6] Compared with EMGs relying on the electromagnetic induction, the physical mechanisms of TENGs is based on the Maxwell's displacement current, and the TENGs are more adaptable to the low-frequency of <2 Hz. [7][8][9][10][11] In addition, the TENGs also exhibit other advantages such as low cost, light weight, [12] easy fabrication, and high power density, [13,14] so they have attracted a wide range of attention in many fields including the exploitation of ocean wave energy. [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] In order to improve the output performance of TENGs, previous researches have been focused on rational structural design, materials selection, surface modification, and so on.…”