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Abstract Stretchable triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) represent a new class of energy‐harvesting devices for powering wearable devices. However, most of them are associated with poor stretchability, low stability, and limited substrate material choices. This work presents the design and demonstration of highly stretchable and stable TENGs based on liquid metalel ectrodes with different phases. The conductive and fluidic properties of eutectic gallium‐indium (EGaIn) in the serpentine microfluidic channel ensure the robust performance of the EGaIn‐based TENG upon stretching over several hundred percent. The bi‐phasic EGaIn (bGaIn) from oxidation lowers surface tension and increases adhesion for printing on diverse substrates with high output performance parameters. The optimization of the electrode shapes in the bGaIn‐based TENGs can reduce the device footprint and weight, while enhancing stretchability. The applications of the EGaIn‐ and bGaIn‐based TENG include smart elastic bands for human movement monitoring and smart carpets with integrated data transmission/processing modules for headcount monitoring/control. Combining the concept of origami in the paper‐based bGaIn TENG can reduce the device footprint to improve output performance per unit area. The integration of bGaIn‐TENG on a self‐healing polymer substrate with corrosion resistance against acidic and alkaline solutions further facilitates its use in various challenging and extreme environments.
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Facile fabrication of triboelectric nanogenerators based on paper and natural rubber as low-cost bio-derived materials
Abstract Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are devices capable of effectively harvesting electrical energy from mechanical motion prevalent around us. With the goal of developing TENGs with a small environmental footprint, herein we present the potential of using rubber and paper as biological materials for constructing triboelectric nanogenerators. We explored the performance of these TENGs with various contact material combinations, electrode sizes, and operational frequencies. The optimally configured TENG achieved a maximum open circuit output voltage of over 30 V, and a short circuit current of around 3 µA. Additionally, this optimally configured TENG was capable of charging various capacitors and achieved a maximum power output density of 21 mW/m2. This work demonstrates that biologically derived materials can be used as effective, sustainable, and low-cost contact materials for the development of triboelectric nanogenerators with minimal environmental footprint.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2203157
- PAR ID:
- 10392315
- Publisher / Repository:
- Springer Science + Business Media
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Discover Materials
- Volume:
- 3
- Issue:
- 1
- ISSN:
- 2730-7727
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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