Irreproducibility in the triboelectric charging of insulators: evidence of a non-monotonic charge versus contact time relationship

Abstract

Contact electrification: irreproducibility of triboelectric charging magnitudes. Using Faraday pail measurements we show that a monotonous charging slope holds only left or right of a material-specific charge-peak point.

Triboelectric Nanogenerator as a Probe for Measuring the Charge Transfer between Liquid and Solid Surfaces

“…When two materials are brought into contact and then separated, both of them become statically charged. , One surface develops a net positive charge, while the other acquires a net negative charge. This phenomenon, termed contact- or tribo-electrification, − is an old subject and has widespread practical applications, such as a car static zip and the transfer of inks in xerography; it occurs not only between solid–solid interfaces but also between liquid–solid interfaces. − Despite our familiarity with the phenomenon, we are still without a complete picture of its origin, , especially for liquid–solid interfaces. , Controversy remains over the charge transfer species (ion or/and electron − transfer) and how charge transfers between liquids and solid surfaces.…”

Electrostatics and Electrochemistry: Mechanism and Scope of Charge-Transfer Reactions on the Surface of Tribocharged Insulators

“…The authors propose that this drop results both from the electrostatically driven segregation of polymer ionic fragments and from the discharge of unstable fragments by dielectric breakdown when a sufficiently high surface charge density is reached. 41 The preceding paragraph clearly illustrates how difficult it is to reproduce a given charge density on an insulator. The conditioning and history of the sample, such as washing methods or adsorption of contaminants from air, can have a severe impact on the charging of insulators.…”

“…However, this is not the case. Rubbing two pieces of the same material leads to static electricity. , This observation is mirrored by a related fact; that is, different formulations of a given polymer, such as polyethylene terephthalate in the form of either Mylar or Ertalyte, , take up different positions in the triboelectric series. This indicates that mechanochemical aspects underlie contact electrification, , including substrate softness, adhesion, and roughness …”

“…Attempts to charge a sample beyond its peak value lead to a progressive drop in charge (Figure ). The authors propose that this drop results both from the electrostatically driven segregation of polymer ionic fragments and from the discharge of unstable fragments by dielectric breakdown when a sufficiently high surface charge density is reached …”

“…Triboelectrification of non-ionic plastics: evolution of charge density with contact time. For several polymers (acetal, PTFE, PVC, PDMS, nylon), charging magnitude initially increased, reached a maximum value, and then dropped . Reproduced from ref with permission from the PCCP Owner Societies.…”