Double Freestanding Layer Engineering for Significantly Enhanced Output Performance of Triboelectric Nanogenerators

Abstract

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are ecofriendly and efficient technology that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. Enhancing the output performances of TENGs is critical for their practical applications for energy harvesting fields. Although, well known traditional single-freestanding-layer TENG (SFL-TENG), in which the friction layer is separated from the electrodes, have shown broad applicability, their structural limitations hinder efficient energy output. In this study, we propose a novel dual-freestanding-layer triboelectric nanogenerator (DFL-TENG), based on differences in the electron affinity of dielectric materials in both triboelectrification and electrostatic induction processes to enhance output performances of TENGs. By employing Polyamide (PA: a material with stronger polarity than Cu) and Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP: a material with weaker polarity) as dielectric layers on the electrodes, we significantly enhanced charge transfer, resulting in a two-fold increase in output current and a substantial boost in output power. Furthermore, we systematically demonstrate the working mechanism of the DFL-TENG through theoretical analysis revealing how enhanced electron transfer enables high-performance output. This work presents a promising strategy for boosting the energy output of TENG, offering new insights for the future development of high-efficiency energy harvesting devices.