Ion-Impregnated Intermediate Layer for Enhancing Triboelectric Nanogenerator Performance

Abstract

The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is gaining recognition as a highly promising, eco-friendly self-powered device for the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT). To improve the performance of TENGs, diverse materials are employed as interlayers. However, challenges related to cost and stability persist. Herein, a strategy that incorporates ion-containing electrolyte polymers as interlayers is presented. This approach effectively mitigates charge decay and maximizes TENG efficiency by leveraging the high charge capacitance of the ionic electric double layer (iEDL). The incorporation of iEDL into TENG results in an approximate tenfold increase in current density (10–92 mA m−2) and a 13-fold increase in power density (2–26 W m−2). The robust energy generation capabilities of iEDL-TENG enable the operation of 100 LED lights and the charging of a 470 µF capacitor. Furthermore, the demonstrated device exhibits significant stability across 10,000 operational cycles and effectively maintains its performance when subjected to external physical forces such as blade-induced cuts, penetrating wounds, and severe crumpling.