Performance-Enhanced Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on the Double-Layered Electrode Effect

Recently, studies on enhancing the performance of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) by forming nanostructures at the contacting interface have been actively reported. In this study, a double-layered bottom electrode TENG (DE-TENG) was successfully fabricated using a metal deposition layer after the water-assisted oxidation (WAO) process. As previously reported, the WAO process for the enhancement of electrical performance increases the effective contact area with an inherent surface oxidation layer (Al₂O₃). As a new approach for modifying deficiencies in the WAO process, a metal deposition onto the oxidation layer was successfully developed with increased device output performance by restoring the surface conductivity. The proposed metal-dielectric-metal sandwich-structured DE-TENG generated approximately twice the electrical output generated by the WAO process alone (WAO-TENG). This dramatically improved electrical output was proven by a theoretical demonstration based on a double capacitance structure. In addition, the double capacitance structure was confirmed with the aid of a field emission scanning electron microscope. The optimal point at which the DE-TENG generates the highest electrical outputs was observed at a specific Cu layer sputtering time. The exceptional durability of the DE-TENG was proved by the 1 h endurance test under various relative humidity conditions. The potential of a self-powered force sensor using this DE-TENG is demonstrated, having a comparably high sensitivity of 0.82 V/N. Considering its structure, increased electrical energy, easy fabrication, and its durability, this novel DE-TENG is a promising candidate for the self-powered energy harvesting technology in our near future.