Tribotronics: an emerging field by coupling triboelectricity and semiconductors

Abstract

Tribotronics has been an emerging research field by coupling triboelectricity and semiconductor. Here, three branches of the tribotronics are summarized and reviewed. First, the tribovoltaic effect is introduced as a phenomenon of direct current power generation by mechanical friction on the semiconductor interface, which has great advantage of high power density over traditional insulator-based TENGs. Second, the triboelectric modulation is elaborated by using the triboelectric potential on field effect transistors, which has demonstrated the active mechanosensation and nano-scale tactile perception. In addition, the triboelectric management is presented for improving the energy supply efficiency based on semiconductor device technology, which can provide an effective microenergy solution for sensors and microsystems. For the interactions between triboelectricity and semiconductors, the research of tribotronics has exhibited the electronics of interfacial friction systems, and the triboelectric technology by electronics. This review has shown the prospects of tribotronics for developing new functional devices and self-powered microsystems for intelligent manufacturing, robotic sensing and industrial Internet of Things.

2D multifunctional devices: from material preparation to device fabrication and neuromorphic applications

“…For the distributed energy supply of sensing networks, the application of tribological electric nanogenerators (TENGs) is more versatile [157]. Based on the universal and ubiquitous effect of tribological electricity, TENG can efficiently transform various forms of mechanical energy into electrical energy in the environment.…”

Piezotronic neuromorphic devices: principle, manufacture, and applications

“…In addition, for piezotronic neuromorphic devices with PENG-gated transistor structure, the PENG and the transistor components are relatively independent, which limits the integration and application of the device. Reducing the size of PENGs and improving their integration with transistors are critical for large-scale integration [89]. In addition, the selection of suitable piezoelectric materials for PENG and optimization of their output characteristics are important to effectively modulate neuromorphic devices by using piezotronic effects.…”

Recent progress towards smart transportation systems using triboelectric nanogenerators

“…In 2012, Professor Zhonglin Wang's team developed TENGs by combining triboelectrification with electrostatic induction. When two materials with differing charge affinities contact and separate, the electrons transfer between the two electrodes via the external resistor, producing an alternating current (AC) [24][25][26]. This allows TENG to convert mechanical energy from its surroundings into electrical energy [27].…”