Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026

09:51
A Polymer-based Piezoelectric Vibration Energy Harvester with a 3D Meshed-Core Structure
Published on: February 20, 2019
26.0K
Polyvinylpyrrolidone-Polycarbosilane Core-Shell Fibrous Membrane as an Advanced Material for Triboelectric
Gunendra Prasad Ojha1,2, Puran Pandey3, Yun-Su Kuk4
1Carbon Composite Energy Nanomaterials Research Center, Woosuk University, Wanju-Gun, Jeonbuk-do 55338, Republic of Korea.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|March 13, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a new polyvinylpyrrolidone/polycarbosilane fibrous membrane for advanced triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). This novel material significantly boosts electrical output for sustainable electronics.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Energy Harvesting
Background:
- Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are promising for sustainable electronics.
- Developing high-performance materials for TENGs is a critical challenge.
- Advanced materials are needed for improved electrical output and device efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize a novel polyvinylpyrrolidone/polycarbosilane (PVP/PCS) hybrid core-shell fibrous membrane (CS FM).
- To investigate the material's properties for enhanced TENG performance.
- To explore new positive-charged materials for TENG applications.
Main Methods:
- Single-nozzle electrospinning technique used to create PVP/PCS CS FM.
- Characterization of core-shell morphology and material properties (dielectric constant, surface charge potential, work function).
- Evaluation of TENG performance by measuring open-circuit voltage (Voc) and short-circuit current (Isc).
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized PVP/PCS CS FM with a core-shell structure and interconnected junctions.
- Optimized PVP/PCS-2:1 CS FM exhibited enhanced dielectric constant, surface charge potential, and low work function.
- Significant increase in TENG performance: Voc by 1.76 times and Isc by 1.63 times compared to pure PVP FM.
- Homogeneous PCS distribution increased surface roughness, enhancing charge generation.
Conclusions:
- The novel PVP/PCS CS FM demonstrates superior properties for TENG applications.
- Synergistic effects between PVP and PCS contribute to significantly improved electrical output.
- This work presents a breakthrough in developing new positive-charged materials for advanced TENGs.
Related Concept Videos
Network Covalent Solids
Network covalent solids contain a three-dimensional network of covalently bonded atoms as found in the crystal structures of nonmetals like diamond, graphite, silicon, and some covalent compounds, such as silicon dioxide (sand) and silicon carbide (carborundum, the abrasive on sandpaper). Many minerals have networks of covalent bonds.
To break or to melt a covalent network solid, covalent bonds must be broken. Because covalent bonds are relatively strong, covalent network solids are typically...
To break or to melt a covalent network solid, covalent bonds must be broken. Because covalent bonds are relatively strong, covalent network solids are typically...
Polymer Classification: Crystallinity
Unlike ionic or small covalent molecules, polymers do not form crystalline solids due to the diffusion limitations of their long-chain structures. However, polymers contain microscopic crystalline domains separated by amorphous domains.
Crystalline domains are the regions where polymer chains are aligned in an orderly manner and held together in proximity by intermolecular forces. For example, chains in the crystalline domains of polyethylene and nylon are bound together by van der Waals...
Crystalline domains are the regions where polymer chains are aligned in an orderly manner and held together in proximity by intermolecular forces. For example, chains in the crystalline domains of polyethylene and nylon are bound together by van der Waals...
Classification and Mechanical Properties of Synthetic Polymers
Synthetic polymers are classified as elastomers, fibers, or plastics based on their crystallinity. Crystallinity, the degree of long-range order in the solid state, influences the mechanical properties (stretching or contracting) of elastomers. Elastomers are flexible polymers that can expand or contract easily upon the application of an external force. They have numerous crosslinks that pull them back into their original shape when stress is removed. Silicones, for instance, are highly elastic...

