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Dual-Surface-Modified Triboelectric Nanogenerator with Polymer Microcone Array and Its Application to Impact Visual
Dong-Yi Lin1, Chen-Kuei Chung1
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan.
Polymers
|June 13, 2025
Summary
This study enhances triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) performance by using microcone-structured polydimethylsiloxane (MC-PDMS) with microwave-structured aluminum (MW-Al). TENGs with taller microcones demonstrated significantly improved output voltage and current, showing potential for smart home safety applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Energy Harvesting
Background:
- Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) is a key negative triboelectric material for TENGs.
- Surface topography and material interactions critically influence TENG performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a cost-effective method for enhancing TENG performance.
- To investigate the effect of microcone structure height on TENG output.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of microcone-structured aluminum (MC-Al) and polydimethylsiloxane (MC-PDMS) using laser engraving and cold imprinting.
- Systematic variation of microcone heights (0-228 μm) to study their impact on TENG performance.
- Characterization of TENG output voltage, current, and power density.
Main Results:
- TENG performance significantly improved with increasing microcone height.
- The MW-MC228-TENG achieved an open-circuit voltage of 157 V and short-circuit current of 78.5 µA.
- A power density of 16.4 W/m² was achieved, capable of powering 198 LEDs.
Conclusions:
- The proposed dual-surface-modified TENG with optimized microcone structures offers a substantial performance boost.
- The TENG demonstrated practical application as a sensor in an impact warning system for intelligent home safety.
- This approach provides a viable pathway for developing high-performance, low-cost TENGs.
