Water-based triboelectric nanogenerator for wireless energy transmission and self-powered communication via a solid-liquid-solid interaction

• Published in: Applied surface science 2022-12, Vol.605, p.154765, Article 154765
• Main Authors: Wang, Zhaosu, Wan, Dong, Fang, Rui, Yuan, Zhongyun, Zhuo, Kai, Wang, Tao, Zhang, Hulin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Electric double layer; Triboelectric nanogenerator; Water energy harvesting; Wireless communication
• ISSN: 0169-4332; 1873-5584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2022.154765

We demonstrate a self-powered wireless Morse code transmission method via a solid-liquid-solid TENG composed of a PTFE sheet, modified graphite electrodes, and a water tank. PTFE induces mechanical energy generated by motion to be extracted as electrical energy at the remote end, which provides the basis for wireless energy and information transmission. This approach frees the constraints of cables and produces intuitive signals that are easy to translate. [Display omitted] •The water-based TENG can realize mechanical-electrical energy conversion via solid-liquid interfacial contact/separation.•The mechanical energy generated by the movement of PTFE can be extracted as electrical energy from the remote electrode.•The wireless self-powered communication was demonstrated to transmit Morse code messages along water. Wireless communication has affected all aspects of our lives. However, most wireless communication devices require an external power supply, which undoubtedly hinders the development of numerous sensors. Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), a self-powered technology, has become an even more attractive solution to the energy problem of sensors. Herein, a novel solid-liquid-solid TENG configuration consisting of a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sheet, a water sink, and a graphite electrode is proposed. It is worth noting that it can transmit mechanical energy by employing only the electric double layer (EDL) formed at the interface between water and the graphite electrode. PTFE induces mechanical energy generated by motion to be extracted as electrical energy at the remote end, which provides the basis for wireless energy and information transmission. More impressively, a self-powered application based on the designed TENG was successfully demonstrated to transmit Morse code messages through the water as a medium. This approach frees the constraints of cables and produces intuitive signals that are easy to translate. This study paves the way for a promising strategy in the development of wireless energy transmission and battery-less communication.