Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 23, 2026
09:43
Interfacial Molecular-level Structures of Polymers and Biomacromolecules Revealed via Sum Frequency Generation Vibrational Spectroscopy
Published on: August 13, 2019
9.8K
Gradient Ion Beams Regulate Surface Group Modification to Enhance Interfacial Charge Transport in Triboelectric
Yi Chen1,2, Yuliang Yao3, Xinya Shen1,2
1Yantai Research Institute, Harbin Engineering University, Yantai, China.
Advanced Science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)
|January 22, 2026
Summary
Gradient ion beam irradiation enhances polymer surfaces for improved triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). This strategy boosts electrical output and stability, paving the way for advanced wearable sensors and flexible electronics.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Surface Engineering
Background:
- Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are promising for wearable devices and self-powered sensors.
- Low surface charge density of polymer materials limits TENG performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance the electrical performance of TENGs by engineering polymer surfaces.
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms behind improved charge transport.
Main Methods:
- Gradient ion beam irradiation with precise dose control to modify polymer surfaces.
- Electrical testing to measure output voltage, current, and surface charge density.
- Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to analyze surface molecular structure and electrostatic potential.
Main Results:
- Achieved 13-, 10-, and 7-fold improvements in output voltage, current, and surface charge density, respectively.
- Demonstrated over 1440-fold improvement in stability compared to pure charge injection.
- Irradiation decreased surface molecular energy bandgap and increased electron energy, enhancing charge transport.
Conclusions:
- Gradient ion beam irradiation is an effective strategy to enhance TENG performance.
- The modified polymers exhibit high sensitivity and abrasion resistance for practical applications.
- This research provides a theoretical basis for developing next-generation TENGs.
Related Concept Videos
03:27Ions and Ionic Charges
78.7K
In ordinary chemical reactions, the nucleus — which contains the protons and neutrons of each atom and thus identifies the element — remains unchanged. Electrons, however, can be added to atoms by transfer from other atoms, lost by transfer to other atoms, or shared with other atoms. The transfer and sharing of electrons among atoms govern the chemistry of the elements. During the formation of some compounds, atoms gain or lose electrons to form electrically charged particles called...
78.7K
02:22Regulated mRNA Transport
6.9K
In eukaryotes, transcription and translation are compartmentalized; an mRNA is first synthesized in the nucleus and then selectively transported to the cytoplasm for protein synthesis. Before transport, a pre-mRNA undergoes several steps of post-transcriptional modifications including splicing, 5' capping, and the addition of a poly-adenine tail. Various proteins bind to the pre-mRNA during these modifications. The mRNA transport takes place with the help of multiple proteins playing...
6.9K
02:22Regulated mRNA Transport
3.3K
3.3K
02:54Trends in Lattice Energy: Ion Size and Charge
26.6K
An ionic compound is stable because of the electrostatic attraction between its positive and negative ions. The lattice energy of a compound is a measure of the strength of this attraction. The lattice energy (ΔHlattice) of an ionic compound is defined as the energy required to separate one mole of the solid into its component gaseous ions. For the ionic solid sodium chloride, the lattice energy is the enthalpy change of the process:
26.6K
01:26What is an Electrochemical Gradient?
127.4K
Adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, is considered the primary energy source in cells. However, energy can also be stored in the electrochemical gradient of an ion across the plasma membrane, which is determined by two factors: its chemical and electrical gradients.
The chemical gradient relies on differences in the abundance of a substance on the outside versus the inside of a cell and flows from areas of high to low ion concentration. In contrast, the electrical gradient revolves around an...
The chemical gradient relies on differences in the abundance of a substance on the outside versus the inside of a cell and flows from areas of high to low ion concentration. In contrast, the electrical gradient revolves around an...
127.4K
01:55Secondary Active Transport
137.4K
One example of how cells use the energy contained in electrochemical gradients is demonstrated by glucose transport into cells. The ion vital to this process is sodium (Na+), which is typically present in higher concentrations extracellularly than in the cytosol. Such a concentration difference is due, in part, to the action of an enzyme “pump” embedded in the cellular membrane that actively expels Na+ from a cell. Importantly, as this pump contributes to the high concentration of...
137.4K