Rational micro/nano-structuring for high-performance triboelectric nanogenerator

This study uses a combination of nano- and micro-engineering to develop a high-performance and morphologically reliable single-electrode triboelectric nanogenerator (SE-TENG). After the formation of the micro-patterned morphology on the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), Graphene oxid (GO) nanosheets were deposited on the surface at various concentrations (0.1–0.5 wt%). Consequently, because chemical modification of the triboelectric layer directly enhances the surface charge density, GO nanosheets were also incorporated within the micro-patterned PDMS matrix at various concentrations (0–1.5 wt%). The results showed that high triboelectric characteristics with a high output voltage of ∼ 630 V, a current density of 2.1 mA/m², and a power density of 3 W/m² were achieved when the micro-patterned PDMS was surface coated with 0.2 wt% GO. Furthermore, the incorporation of GO within micro-patterned PDMS upon 1 wt% (PDMS@1CGO) significantly enhanced triboelectric characteristics. While the experimental results were confirmed by simulation, the high-power TENG based on micro-patterned PDMS@ 1CGO could turn on 100 serially connected blue light emitting diodes (LEDs) without any energy storage process. In summary, the proposed micro/nano design strategy, based on GO and micropatterning technology, can be used as an effective mechanical energy harvester that requires high output power under strong impacts.