Triboelectric charging sequence induced by surface functionalization as a method to fabricate high performance...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Energy Harvesting

Background:

• High-performance triboelectric generators (TEGs) require materials with distinct triboelectric properties.
• Limited material selection and processing challenges hinder TEG development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a surface functionalization method to modify material triboelectric properties.
• To broaden material choices and improve TEG performance and fabrication.

Main Methods:

• Functionalization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films using poly-l-lysine or trichloro(1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyl) silane (FOTS).
• Fabrication of TEGs using functionalized PET films.
• Characterization of TEG performance, including open-circuit voltage (Voc) and short-circuit current density (Jsc).
• Assessment of surface stability through cyclic measurements.

Main Results:

• Modified PET surfaces exhibited altered triboelectric polarities.
• TEGs achieved a maximum Voc of ~330 V and Jsc of ~270 mA/m^2 at 0.5 MPa.
• Functionalized TEGs showed excellent stability over 7200 cycles and maintained performance for over a month.

Conclusions:

• Surface functionalization is an effective strategy to tune triboelectric properties.
• This approach enhances TEG performance, stability, and material compatibility.
• The method offers a simple, cost-effective, and versatile route for TEG fabrication.