Conjugated Polymer-Based Multilayer Thin-Film Triboelectric Nanogenerators via Continuous Layer-By-Layer Coating...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Energy Harvesting

Background:

• Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) offer a promising avenue for harvesting mechanical energy.
• Enhancing the charge density and output performance of TENGs is crucial for practical applications.
• Developing multifunctional materials with both energy harvesting and safety features is of significant interest.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a flexible and scalable charge-trapping intermediate layer for TENGs using layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly.
• To investigate the flame-retardant properties of the developed material on polyurethane foam.
• To explore the potential of this material for combined energy harvesting and fire safety applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly method to create a [PANI/PEDOT:PSS] intermediate layer between a [PVA/PDDA] triboelectric layer and a [PVA/GNP-PSS] electrode.
• Optimized the deposition layers for the TENG configuration.
• Conducted open flame tests and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to evaluate flame-retardant properties.
• Fabricated and tested TENG devices with varying configurations, including those using flame-retardant coated foam.

Main Results:

• The optimal TENG configuration achieved peak output voltage and current of 180 V and 9 μA, representing a significant increase compared to TENGs without the intermediate layer.
• A free-standing encapsulated film further boosted TENG performance to 315 V.
• The [PANI/PEDOT:PSS] coating effectively prevented flame flashover, melting, and dripping on polyurethane foam, reducing heat release capacity.
• TENGs fabricated with the flame-retardant coated foam also showed significant output performance.

Conclusions:

• The developed charge-trapping intermediate layer significantly enhances TENG performance through increased surface charge density.
• The [PANI/PEDOT:PSS] coating imparts excellent flame-retardant properties to polyurethane foam, improving fire safety.
• This LbL-assembled material offers a sustainable pathway for creating multifunctional materials for advanced energy harvesting and flame-retardant applications.