Triboelectric generator based on a moving charged bead

Abstract

An energy harvesting system using a triboelectric generator (TEG), which converts a small amount of mechanical energy to available electrical energy, has recently been developed by combining a simple one-directional mechanical force (contact and separation or sliding back and forth) with a 2D device materials. However, with regard to using the TEG in real world applications, there is no TEG design suitable for utilizing a variety of mechanical forces and for generating triboelectric charge in various environmental conditions, especially under high relative humidity. In this work, we introduce a design for a humidity-independent triboelectric generator (HITEG) that can generate triboelectric charges with a granular system by simple rotating or shaking under high relative humidity conditions. The HITEG can generate an open-circuit voltage of 81.63 V and a short-circuit current of 213.9 nA using 80 polytetrafluoroethylene beads.