Eco-Friendly Keratin-Based Additives in the Polymer Matrix to Enhance the Output of Triboelectric Nanogenerators

Abstract

A triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is an energy generator that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy using triboelectricity at a nanoscale. Given their potential application as power sources in electronic devices, various attempts have been made to improve their output performance. Here, we present an eco-friendly, low-cost, and facile fabrication method to enhance TENG characteristics with keratin protein additives. Keratin sources, human and cat hair, are processed into powder and added to the friction layer, which increases their positive charge affinity, thereby boosting the output performance of the TENG. The output performances of the keratin-added TENG (K-TENG) are measured in the vertical contact-separation mode, with both additives having the highest output values at 5 wt % load. The K-TENG generates more output voltage and current values than the pristine TENG by 90 and 208%, respectively. Hence, we conclude that this method would potentially promote TENG as a strong candidate for a competitive "green" energy harvesting device in future electronics applications.

Advanced Triboelectric Applications of Biomass-Derived Materials: A Comprehensive Review

“…Firstly, their integration into wearable technologies showcases a significant application prospect. Thanks to their biocompatibility, keratin-based TENGs seamlessly blend with textiles or attach directly onto the skin, efficiently harvesting energy from human movements [125,129]. This ability not only makes personal electronics more sustainable but also enhances the user experience by eliminating the frequent need for external charging.…”

Triboelectric behaviour of selected zeolitic-imidazolate frameworks: exploring chemical, morphological and topological influences

“…14 By another similar strategy, Xie and co-workers deposited instant noodle powder onto double-sided tape which was then stuck to the electrode. 15 An alternative but arguably more popular strategy involves doping polymer materials with various materials such as cat hair dispersed in poly(vinyl butyrate polymer matrix), 16 ionic liquid coated single-wall carbon nanotubes embedded in polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS), 17 clay embedded chitosan lms, 18 polyvinylidine diuoride (PVDF) loaded with ferromagnetic cobalt ferrite, 19 graphite loaded PDMS, 20 MOF loaded polymers, 21 and peruoro-silane coupling agent modied silica nanoparticles embedded in PVDF. 22 A wide variety of different materials have been tested to date; however, it is oen difficult to identify trends and build a fundamental understanding of why materials perform as they do with respect to their triboelectric output.…”