Cellulose-based superhydrophobic wrinkled paper and electrospinning film as green tribolayer for water wave energy harvesting

• Published in: International journal of biological macromolecules 2023-04, Vol.234, p.122903, Article 122903
• Main Authors: Ding, Zhaodong, Tian, Zhongjian, Ji, Xingxiang, Wang, Dongxing, Ci, Xiaolei, Shao, Xuejun, Rojas, Orlando J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carbon; Cellulose; Computer Systems; Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; Physical Phenomena; Polyethylene Glycols; Triboelectric nanogenerator; Water waves; Wrinkled cellulose
• ISSN: 0141-8130; 1879-0003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.12.122

Water waves are viable low-carbon and renewable sources of power that can be optionally combined with triboelectric nanogeneration (TENG). Herein, we report on the synthesis of a TENG device based on green wrinkled paper tribolayers (W-TENG) assembled in grids (G-TENG) with channels that enable contact-separation modes involving metal balls that roll in phase with the waves. The paper's wrinkle wavelength and amplitude were adjusted by using a crepe blade at a given angle with respect to a drying cylinder, as well as the speed and torque. Polar hierarchical superhydrophobic cellulose micro/nanostructures, proposed as positive tribolayers with enhanced contact area and triboelectric density. The negative (biodegradable) tribolayers were prepared by electrospinning aqueous suspensions of polyvinyl alcohol and poly (ethylene oxide) reinforced with cellulose nanofibers. The charge transfer by the W-TENG reached up to 40 nC in air and retained 27 nC under 85 % relative humidity, ~5 and 7 times higher than those measured in planar TENG counterparts. A G-TENG array charging time (100-μF capacitor) of ~188 s was measured when the voltage of the capacitor raised to ~1.5 V. Overall, we introduce a new, scalable TENG system that is demonstrated for its remarkable ability to harvest blue energy. [Display omitted] •We report on the synthesis of a TENG device based on green wrinkled paper tribolayers (W-TENG) assembled in grids (G-TENG) with channels that enable contact-separation modes by metal balls that roll in phase with the water wave movement.•The paper's wrinkle wavelength and amplitude were adjusted by using a crepe blade at a given angle with respect to a drying cylinder, as well as the speed and torque.•The micro/nanostructure of wrinkled paper constructs superhydrophobic interface, leading to an excellent moisture resistance and high-performance retention in a humid environment.•The negative (biodegradable) tribolayers were prepared by electrospinning aqueous suspensions of polyvinyl alcohol and poly (ethylene oxide) reinforced with cellulose nanofibers.