Integrated charge excitation triboelectric nanogenerator

Abstract

Performance of triboelectric nanogenerators is limited by low and unstable charge density on tribo-layers. An external-charge pumping method was recently developed and presents a promising and efficient strategy towards high-output triboelectric nanogenerators. However, integratibility and charge accumulation efficiency of the system is rather low. Inspired by the historical development of electromagnetic generators, here, we propose and realize a self-charge excitation triboelectric nanogenerator system towards high and stable output in analogy to the principle of traditional magnetic excitation generators. By rational design of the voltage-multiplying circuits, the completed external and self-charge excitation modes with stable and tailorable output over 1.25 mC m ⁻² in contact-separation mode have been realized in ambient condition. The realization of the charge excitation system in this work may provide a promising strategy for achieving high-output triboelectric nanogenerators towards practical applications.

Abstract

Triboelectric nanogenerators may benefit Internet-of-Things era energy demands, but application is hindered by low charge density. Here the authors maximize charge density in ambient conditions and achieve stable power generation in a triboelectric nanogenerator that can realize external and self-excitation.