High-performance energy harvesting and continuous output using nylon-11/BaTiO₃-PVDF triboelectric nanogenerators with strong dielectric properties

Abstract

Among various emerging energy technologies, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have garnered significant attention owing to their ability to convert environmental mechanical energy into electrical energy through the triboelectric effect and electrostatic induction. However, there are some problems with optimizing the electrical output and conversion efficiency of TENGs. This paper presents a high-performance TENG enhanced with BaTiO₃ nanowires(BTONWs) using electrospinning technology. PVDF was doped with BTONWs to fabricate TENGs with high flexibility and efficient energy conversion. BaTiO₃ and PVDF all exhibited inherent properties and triboelectric properties, maximizing the conversion of pressure into electrical energy output. This integration effectively enhances the conversion power and provides a continuous energy supply. Experimental results show that the fabricated TENGs achieved a current and voltage of 12 μA and 280 V, respectively, with a maximum power density of 1.45 W/m2 at a load resistance of 90 MΩ. In addition, the performance of the TENGs was tested using a calculator, timer, and LED lights. By connecting to a simple external circuit and continuously tapping the TENG, the devices functioned normally, demonstrating that the TENG can constantly and stably output electrical energy by continuously collecting mechanical energy to power microgenerators. This work may significantly contribute to developing energy harvesting, wearable devices, and micropower sources.

Fig 1. (a)–(d) Preparation of the BTONW-PVDF nanofibers.

(e) Design of TENG. (f) Digital picture of the assembled TENG.

Fig 2. Schematic of the structure and working mechanism of TENG.

Fig 3. Analytical image of TENG produced by nylon 11 and PVDF-BTONWs.

(a) Physical image of TENG. (b) Surface morphology of nylon-11 fibers. (c) Surface morphology of BTONWs -PVDF. (d)SEM images of BTONWs doped with different mass ratios. (e)Magnified images of BTONWs doped with different mass ratios. (f)XRD image of BTONWs. (g) XRD patterns of PVDF, BTONWs-PVDF film, and BTONWs before mixing with PVDF. (h)FTIR absorption spectra of BTONWs-PVDF nanofibres with different BTONWs mass fractions.

Fig 4. BTONWs-PVDF electrical output image.

Image of (a) Short-circuit current. (b) Open-circuit voltage. (c) Transfer charge quantity. (d)Dielectric constant.

Fig 5. Application of BTONWs-PVDF TENG as a power supply.

(a) Load output voltages (left axis), currents (right axis), and (b) instantaneous power densities of the optimized BTONWs-PVDF at load resistances of 0-1000 MΩ. (c) Different tapping times of the optimal TENG of BTONWs-PVDF related to measured voltage(d) External circuit diagram. (e) Physical diagram of TENG of BTONWs-PVDF. Photographs of (f) a calculator and (g) a timer in working condition. (h) A yellow LED and (i) a green LED to be lighted.