Enhancing the Output Performance of a Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on Modified Polyimide and Sandwich-Structured Nanocomposite Film

Abstract

Recently, scientists have been facing major obstacles in terms of improving the performances of dielectric materials for triboelectric nanogenerators. The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is one of the first green energy technologies that can convert random mechanical kinetic energy into electricity. The surface charge density of TENGs is a critical factor speeding up their commercialization, so it is important to explore unique methods to increase the surface charge density. The key to obtaining a high-performance TENG is the preparation of dielectric materials with good mechanical properties, thermal stability and output performance. To solve the problem of the low output performance of PI-based triboelectric nanogenerators, we modified PI films by introducing nanomaterials and designed a new type of sandwich-shaped nanocomposite film. Herein, we used polyimide (PI) with ideal mechanical properties, excellent heat resistance and flexibility as the dielectric material, prepared an A-B-A sandwich structure with PI in the outer layer and modified a copper calcium titanate/polyimide (CCTO/PI) storage layer in the middle to improve the output of a TENG electrode. The doping amount of the CCTO was tailored. The results showed that at 8 wt% CCTO content, the electrical output performance was the highest, and the open-circuit voltage of CCTO/PI was 42 V. In the TENG, the open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current and transfer charge of the prepared sandwich-structured film were increased by 607%, 629% and 672% compared to the TENG with the PI thin film, respectively. This study presents a novel strategy of optimizing dielectric materials for triboelectric nano-generators and has great potential for the future development of high output-performance TENGs.

A high-performance triboelectric nanogenerator with dual nanostructure for remote control of switching circuit

“…7a and Table S1. †, 43,[52][53][54][55][56] As an energy conversion device, stability during operation is crucial for practical application. Herein, a durability test was also conducted under 5 Hz contact frequency for the 200 FPP@Nano NY TENG, and the results are shown in Fig.…”

“…Therefore, it has been experimentally and theoretically proven that self-assembled PFTS can effectively improve the output of polypropylene-based triboelectric nanogenerators. in recent years that use structural design and surface chemical modification to improve the output of contact-separation mode triboelectric nanogenerators, it was found that by combining the design of double nanostructures and chemical modification methods, the charge density obtained in this work can achieve a relatively higher value as shown in Figure 7a and Table S1 43,[52][53][54][55][56] . As an energy conversation device, the stability during operation is crucial for practical application.…”

Doped-Cellulose Acetate Membranes as Friction Layers for Triboelectric Nanogenerators: The Influence of Roughness Degree and Surface Potential on Electrical Performance

“…As noted in the literature, the typical procedure applied in the electrical output improvement of TENGs is based on the direct relationship between electrical performance and surface roughness [24][25][26][27][28] that contributes to the improvement in the available area [26] for the accumulation of high charge density at interfaces. However, it is worth mentioning that highly rough surfaces in TENGs can return a decrease in the contact area between the two triboelectric surfaces [29]. Consequently, under the controlled creation of nanoand micro-roughness patterns, it is possible to optimize the output performance, being considered a limiting condition for reducing the contact area of tribolayers [29].…”

“…However, it is worth mentioning that highly rough surfaces in TENGs can return a decrease in the contact area between the two triboelectric surfaces [29]. Consequently, under the controlled creation of nanoand micro-roughness patterns, it is possible to optimize the output performance, being considered a limiting condition for reducing the contact area of tribolayers [29]. In addition to the roughness degree, an important aspect to be considered is the dielectric layer doping technology methods [30] based on the incorporation of high dielectric permittivity (ZnO and TiO 2 ), creating the effect of dispersion of nanocapacitors that reinforce the interface polarization.…”

Advances in Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Sustainable and Renewable Energy: Working Mechanism, Tribo-Surface Structure, Energy Storage-Collection System, and Applications

“…Despite these limitations, TENGs have garnered significant attention from research groups seeking to overcome these challenges and improve their output performance for various energy harvesting applications [204]. The benefits of TENGs are extensive and include their sustainable energy harvesting capabilities from converting abundant wasted mechanical energy resources into electrical energy [205] and their low capital cost [238], durability [239], suitability for self-powered devices [240], robust structure [241], compact size for human healthcare applications [242], sustainability for biomedical microsystems [74], flexibility [243], sensitivity in biochemical sensor diagnostics [244], portability [245], lightweight design [246], eco-friendliness [247], green energy conversion abilities [248], multifunctionality for self-powered sensors [249], smart features [250], high material availability for fabrication, simple structure, and compatibility with a variety of trigger sources in nature [202,203]. Numerous research efforts have focused on utilizing TENGs for self-powered sensing applications.…”