Toward All 2D-Based Printed Raindrop Triboelectric Nanogenerators
Foad Ghasemi1, Jonas Heirich1, Dimitri Sharikow1
1Physical Chemistry of Nanomaterials and CINSaT, Kassel University, Kassel, Germany.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|December 31, 2025
Summary
This study explores 2D materials for raindrop energy harvesting. Molybdenum disulfide nanosheets show the highest output, offering potential for efficient raindrop triboelectric nanogenerator (RD-TENG) devices.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Energy Harvesting
Background:
- The raindrop triboelectric nanogenerator (RD-TENG) is an emerging technology for harvesting energy from raindrops.
- This application requires materials with specific properties like negative triboelectric effect, high surface charge density, mechanical flexibility, and large surface area, which are characteristic of 2D materials.
- Fundamental research is needed to understand the potential of 2D materials for RD-TENG applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate all-2D-based RD-TENG devices utilizing graphene and transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) nanosheets.
- To investigate the performance of different 2D materials and optimize device fabrication for efficient energy harvesting from raindrops.
- To understand the relationship between material properties, device architecture, and energy output.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of 2D nanosheets (graphene and TMDs) using liquid phase exfoliation (LPE) and liquid cascade centrifugation for size selection.
- Fabrication of RD-TENG devices using a rapid, low-cost solution deposition technique based on liquid-liquid interface deposition.
- Characterization of material properties using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to analyze oxidation and its influence on charge transfer and decay time.
Main Results:
- All-2D-based RD-TENG devices were successfully fabricated using graphene and TMD nanosheets.
- Medium-sized molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets (average lateral size ≈160 nm, layer number ≈9) demonstrated the highest short-circuit current and voltage output per drop.
- The performance variations in TMD films were correlated with differences in oxidation, affecting charge transfer and decay time, as confirmed by XPS analysis.
Conclusions:
- 2D materials, particularly MoS2 nanosheets, show significant potential for developing efficient RD-TENG devices.
- The liquid-liquid interface deposition technique offers a versatile and cost-effective method for fabricating and screening 2D material-based TENGs.
- Understanding the influence of material properties like electron affinity, capacitance, and oxidation is crucial for optimizing raindrop energy harvesting technologies.
