Enhanced Triboelectric Performance of Surface-Modulated 2D MoS₂ via Pulsed Laser-Directed Thermolysis for Self-Powered Wearable Electronics

In recent times, two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) nanomaterials have emerged as leading contenders for advancing the realms of flexible, transparent, and wearable electronics. Yet, there exists a conspicuous dearth in the exploration of their inherent properties in the domain of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), a foremost technology for mechanical energy harvesting. This study presents a novel, rapid, ambient, wafer-scale, and patternable methodology for the synthesis of 2D MoS₂ through pulsed laser-directed thermolysis. Our groundbreaking laser synthesis approach facilitates the imposition of internal stress on the MoS₂ crystal by modulating its morphological characteristics, resulting in a surface-modulated MoS₂ TENG device that exhibits power generation amplified by approximately 40% relative to its flat MoS₂ counterpart. Distinctly, in comparison to analogous MoS₂-based TENG devices, our model achieves superior energy harvesting metrics (reaching peaks of ~25 V and ~1.2 μA) without the requirement of supplemental materials, even in scenarios where the opposing triboelectric surface exhibits a marginally varied triboelectric series. This augmentation in triboelectrification can be ascribed to both alterations in work function and the amplification of surface roughness. Conclusively, the directly synthesized MoS₂ patterns are adeptly employed to craft a self-sustaining flexible haptic sensor array. The methodology delineated herein aims to galvanize expansive research into the triboelectric potentials and diverse applications of 2D TMDC nanomaterials.