Integrated multi-unit transparent triboelectric nanogenerator harvesting rain power for driving electronics

• Published in: Nano energy 2016-07, Vol.25, p.18-25
• Main Authors: Liang, Qijie, Yan, Xiaoqin, Liao, Xinqin, Zhang, Yue
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Driving electronics; Multi-unit triboelectric nanogenerator; Rain power; Smart systems; Transparent
• ISSN: 2211-2855
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2016.04.033

Transparent and high efficient power sources harvesting energy from ambient environment is a desirable solution to on-site energy demand for organic electronic and optoelectronic devices. Here we report an integrated multi-unit transparent triboelectric nanogenerator (MT-TENG) for harvesting clean energy from ambient water motions. The instantaneous output power density reaches 27.86mW/m2, which is 11.6 times of that generated from individual T-TENG with the same working dimension. The output of the MT-TENG can be further enhanced by miniaturizing the size of each single unit. In addition, the rational design of the MT-TENG increases the safety for future practical applications. The influence of temperature and pH value of water on the electric outputs is also systematically studied in consideration of different application environment. Given the compelling features, such as, high efficiency, cost-effective, easily implemented, it has great potential of integrating with building, vehicle or silicon-based solar cell to harvest clean energy from raindrop for powering electronics and constructing smart systems. An integrated multi-unit transparent triboelectric nanogenerator is developed for harvesting rain power with the introduction of “Top-Down” and “Bottom-Up” methods to its structure design in a creative way. The efficiency is significantly improved and the service security of the MT-TENG can be well guaranteed. The influence of temperature and pH value of water on the electric output is also systematically studied. [Display omitted] •The introduction of “Top-Down” and “Bottom-Up” methods to its overall design.•Power density of 27.86mW/m2, which exhibited a 10.6 times enhancement of efficiency than that of individual T-TENG.•First use of structure design to guarantee the safe service behavior of transparent triboelectric nanogenerator.•The influence of temperature and pH value of water on the electric output was systematically studied.