Copper selenide as a facile nanomaterial for triboelectric nanogenerator: Self-powered Braille code keyboard

• Published in: Chemical engineering journal (Lausanne, Switzerland : 1996) Switzerland : 1996), 2024-11, Vol.500, p.156706, Article 156706
• Main Authors: Farheen Sagade Muktar Ahmed, Rumana, Amini, Sebghatullah, Gopalakrishnan, Raghanya, Madanahalli Ankanathappa, Sangamesha, Sannathammegowda, Krishnaveni
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Metal-chalcogenides; PVA@Cu2Se nanocomposite; Self-powered Braille keyboard; Triboelectric nanogenerators
• ISSN: 1385-8947
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2024.156706

•A metal chalcogenide, copper selenide (Cu2Se) is used to enhance the performance of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs).•Cu2Se nanoparticles embedded in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) form a robust nanocomposite polymer matrix.•Device with 0.2 wt% Cu2Se generated significantly higher voltage and current than pristine PVA-TENG.•Enhanced charge generation, transfer, and retention from Cu2Se integration improve energy conversion of the device.•Self-powered Braille keypad demonstrates a practical application of optimized PVA@Cu2Se-TENG. The development of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) for sustainable energy harvesting has garnered significant interest, especially in integrating advanced materials to enhance device performance and exploring applications. Herein, the present study investigates the use of copper selenide (Cu2Se) as a robust material for TENGs fabrication. Cu2Se nanorods are synthesized using a facile hydrothermal method and subsequently embedded in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix to form a nanocomposite, which is then utilized as tribopositive film. The procured Cu2Se and nanocomposites with varying filler quantities (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 wt%) are analyzed using powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, dielectric measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy to evaluate their structural, morphological, dielectric, and optical properties, and their impact on TENG performance. Interestingly, the device with 0.2 wt% Cu2Se generated peak-to-peak voltage and current of 394.35 V and 83.45 µA respectively, which is about 2.5- and 41-times higher output compared to pristine PVA-TENG. Integrating Cu2Se as filler enhances charge generation, transfer, and retention, due to increased surface roughness, and ability to facilitate better charge separation within the polymer matrix leading to more efficient energy conversion in TENGs. In practical demonstration, the optimized PVA@ Cu2Se-TENG is employed as a self-powered Braille keyboard to generate electrical signals from mechanical interactions, offering a promising solution for energy-efficient, user-friendly Braille technology. Thus, the current study highlights the synergistic effects of integrating Cu2Se with polymer, resulting in enhanced triboelectric performance for innovative energy harvesting applications and self-powered sensory devices.