Electrospun Fiber Laminate Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Acoustic Energy Harvesting

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) are intriguing energy harvesting devices that convert mechanical energy into electricity and could power small portable devices or charge batteries [1]. Here we report acoustic triboelectric nanogenerator (A-TENG) consisting of polymer nanofibers made with electrospinning technique. A-TENG consist of up to 30 layers of polymer fibre mats with total thickness of200µm. Two polymers with opposed properties were chosen and with a custom made electrospinning device the fibres where collected on a rotating drum collector covered with a flexible electrode. Different triboelectric surface properties of laminate creates multiple triboelectric interfaces with dipole alignment across the volume of laminate; therefore this design allows electrical power generation in very low vibrations environments (40dB sound pressure).<br/>The reported laminates in this study hold a great potential in the field of flexible triboelectric nanogenerator.<br/><br/>[1] Z.L. Wang “Triboelectric Nanogenerators as New Energy Technology for Self-Powered Systems and as Active Mechanical and Chemical Sensors”, ACS Nano 7 (2013) 9533-9557.<br/><br/>This work has been supported by the European Regional Development Fund within the Activity 1.1.1.2 “Post-doctoral Research Aid” of the Specific Aid Objective 1.1.1 “To increase the research and innovative capacity of scientific institutions of Latvia and the ability to attract external financing, investing in human resources and infrastructure” of the Operational Programme “Growth and Employment” (No.1.1.1.2/VIAA/3/19/416).