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.