Boosted output performance of triboelectric nanogenerator via electric double layer effect

For existing triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), it is important to explore unique methods to further enhance the output power under realistic environments to speed up their commercialization. We report here a practical TENG composed of three layers, in which the key layer, an electric double laye...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nature communications 2016-10, Vol.7 (1), p.12985-12985, Article 12985
Main Authors: Chun, Jinsung, Ye, Byeong Uk, Lee, Jae Won, Choi, Dukhyun, Kang, Chong-Yun, Kim, Sang-Woo, Wang, Zhong Lin, Baik, Jeong Min
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
142/126
639/301/357/551
639/4077/4072/4062
639/925/927
Charged particles
Electrodes
Energy
Engineering
Friction
Humanities and Social Sciences
Materials science
multidisciplinary
Nanoparticles
Science
Science (multidisciplinary)
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Summary:For existing triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), it is important to explore unique methods to further enhance the output power under realistic environments to speed up their commercialization. We report here a practical TENG composed of three layers, in which the key layer, an electric double layer, is inserted between a top layer, made of Al/polydimethylsiloxane, and a bottom layer, made of Al. The efficient charge separation in the middle layer, based on Volta’s electrophorus, results from sequential contact configuration of the TENG and direct electrical connection of the middle layer to the earth. A sustainable and enhanced output performance of 1.22 mA and 46.8 mW cm −2 under low frequency of 3 Hz is produced, giving over 16-fold enhancement in output power and corresponding to energy conversion efficiency of 22.4%. Finally, a portable power-supplying system, which provides enough d.c. power for charging a smart watch or phone battery, is also successfully developed. The energy harvesting potential of triboelectric nanogenerators is currently limited by their output power. Here, the authors design a triboelectric nanogenerator inspired by lightning generation, featuring an electric double layer that delivers impressive charge separation and electric potential.
ISSN:2041-1723
2041-1723
DOI:10.1038/ncomms12985