Robust Triboelectric Nanogenerator with Ratchet‐like Wheel‐Based Design for Harvesting of Environmental Energy

Abstract

In this study, a ratchet‐like wheel‐based and spring‐assisted sustainable triboelectric nanogenerator (RS‐TENG) is fabricated for an efficient harvesting of rotational motion. The multitooth structure of the ratchet‐like wheel and force of the spring are used to convert the rotational motion induced by mechanical energy in the environment (such as wind energy) into a reciprocating linear motion of the movable parts, making two triboelectric layers of each sub‐triboelectrification unit produce contact–separation motion to achieve power output. The power output of one subunit is ≈0.37 mW at a uniform speed of 60 rpm, and the power output can increase to 6.05 mW by parallel connection of six subunits. The RS‐TENG with parallel connection of six subunits exhibits an open‐circuit voltage of 320 V throughout the 8 h of continuous operation (≈345 600 contact–separation events), reflecting its excellent durability and robustness. The thermometer can be stably powered at a wind speed of 15.5 m s−1 by the rectifier circuit and a 330 µF commercial capacitor. The above experiments show that RS‐TENG can not only harvest the mechanical energy around the environment for self‐powered sensing, but also exhibit an improved output performance and outstanding robustness.

Nanostructured versus flat compact electrode for triboelectric nanogenerators at high humidity

“…By using Eq. (14), the relationship between the electric charge reduction and humidity is addressed.…”

“…There are several methods to convert mechanical energy to electricity such as electromagnetic, piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerator 10,11 . Among these technologies, triboelectric nanogenerators have attracted attention since they are eco-friendly, cost-effective, efficient, lightweight, simple, and easy to fabricate [12][13][14][15] . In addition, TENG can employ energy from low-frequency external vibrations.…”

Surface Engineering for Enhanced Triboelectric Nanogenerator

“…Therefore, many researchers have been developing various types of TENG [23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30]. The contact area between two triboelectric layers plays a major effect on TENG's properties [31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47]. There have been previous works focused on materials selection [48][49][50][51][52][53][54], surface modification [41,[55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63], and control of surface topography [64][65][66] to investigate the triboelectrification mechanism on the performance of triboelectric nanogenerators.…”

Toward High‐Performance Triboelectric Nanogenerators by Engineering Interfaces at the Nanoscale: Looking into the Future Research Roadmap

“…However, this contact area has nanoscale interfaces that determine the final impact on the TENG’s properties. [ 12–38 ] The separation of these materials induces a dipole moment, which drives the charge (e.g., electrons) transfer by applying an external load onto the nanostructured interfaces of the two triboelectric materials. A TENG as a charge‐pump device could also provide current flow back and forth between the electrodes with a specific frequency to produce an alternating current (AC).…”