Highly Adaptive Liquid–Solid Triboelectric Nanogenerator-Assisted Self-Powered Water Wave Motion Sensor

Abstract

Renewable energy has huge potential, and portable electronic devices with self-powered sensing are an inevitable choice in the era of the Internet of Things (IoT). Here, we report a water wave motion sensor rooted in water wave friction, which is a combination of a liquid–solid triboelectric nanogenerator (LS-TENG) and a contact–separation TENG to form an integrated working mode. Combining these two mechanisms for sensing and collecting water wave energy, which specifically are the outermost interface friction with water waves and embedded classic TENG contained, this sensor can indicate the enhancement of water waves under gentle frequency in living environments. Under various water levels and frequencies from low to high, the voltage and current signals were systematically investigated and comparatively analyzed. They can reach about 60 V and 20 μA, respectively, under a certain degree of a surging wave, which proves the indication ability of the device to specific water conditions, and waveform changes under extremely small water level changes were clearly observable. It is believed that, in the future, there will be dazzling performances in the areas of environmental monitoring and maritime security and navigation, which are very meaningful for people’s livelihood.

Recent Advances in Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Marine Exploitation

“…The experiment results displayed that wave spectrum changes can be clearly monitored even under an extremely small change, and achieve the warning ability of the sensor for specific water conditions. [179] Wang et al proposed a self-powered bionic coral wave sensor by TENG technologies, which contains triboelectric perceiving units encapsulated in coral tentacles, a fixation mechanism, a buoyancy tray, and a counterweight mechanism (Figure 15d). [180] Thanks to the design of bio-inspired structure, this sensor can effectively enhance the signal response time and the sensitivity of 3D wave information.…”

Triboelectric Mechanism of Oil‐Solid Interface Adopted for Self‐Powered Insulating Oil Condition Monitoring

“…[6][7][8] Importantly, droplet-TENG can be utilized as a probe to investigate the microscopic L-S triboelectric mechanism, specifically the charge transfer at the liquid-solid interface that determines the macroscopic output performance. [9][10][11] Several droplet-TENGs have been designed to reveal the cumulative process and carrier species (electrons or ions) of charge transfer. [12][13][14] For instance, the water-solid CE charge transfer process has been experimentally proven by Wang's group to involve both electrons and ions, with electron transfer predominating (providing 90% of total charges).…”

A Liquid Triboelectric Series

“…The triboelectric effect in liquids enables droplet manipulation, particle arrangement, energy harvesting, and sensing. [16][17][18][19][20][21] However, it can also cause accidents such as particle deposition after wafer drying, ignition by accumulated charge in petroleum product pipes, and particle agglomeration in a charged droplet. [22][23][24][25] At the crossroads of opportunities and risks, controlling the triboelectric effect for its purpose is indispensable.…”