Highly durable Ti-mesh based triboelectric nanogenerator for self-powered device applications

Abstract

Copyright © 2016 American Scientific Publishers All rights reserved. We describe a highly durable Ti-mesh based triboelectric nanogenerator (Ti-TENG) with a sandwich structure that harvests electrical energy from contact electrification. The electrical output from the fabricated Ti-TENG by compressing and releasing strain was measured under different applied loads and frequencies. The Ti-TENG generated a peak voltage and current up to ∼1.1 V and ∼14 nA at an applied force of 30 N and frequency of 1.1 Hz. Obtained potentials were used to charge a capacitor and power a commercially available light emitting diode (LED). In particular, the Ti-TENG, which exhibited high electrical stability, can be used in applications requiring high levels of robustness and durability. For example, the Ti-TENG was applied as step counter while walking and running, demonstrating its capability to self-power devices. We believe that the device provides a highly promising, robust and durable platform for self-powered applications that effectively harnesses energy from mechanical movements.