Long-standing and unresolved issues in triboelectric charging

Crystallization-Induced Shift in a Triboelectric Series and Even Polarity Reversal for Elastic Triboelectric Materials

A stretchable triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) can be a promising solution for the power supply of various flexible electronics. However, the detailed electrification mechanism of elastic triboelectric materials still needs to be clarified. In this work, we found crystallization behavior induced by strain and low temperature can lead to a shift in a triboelectric series for commonly used triboelectric elastomers and even reverse the triboelectric polarity. This effect is attributed to the notable rearrangement of surface electron cloud density happening along with the crystallization process of the molecular chain. This effect is significant with natural rubber, and silicone rubber can experience this effect at low temperature, which also leads to a shift in a triboelectric series, and an applied strain at low temperature can further enhance this shift. This study demonstrated that the electrification polarity of triboelectric materials should be re-evaluated under different strains and different temperatures, which provides a mechanism distinct from the general understanding of elastic triboelectric materials.

When Flexoelectricity Drives Triboelectricity

Triboelectricity has been known since antiquity, but the fundamental science underlying this phenomenon lacks consensus. We present a flexoelectric model for triboelectricity where contact deformation induced band bending at the nanoscale is the driving force for charge transfer. This framework is combined with first-principles and finite element calculations to explore charge transfer implications for different contact geometry and materials combinations. We demonstrate that our ab initio based formulation is compatible with existing empirical models and experimental observations including charge transfer between similar materials and size/pressure dependencies associated with triboelectricity.

Self-organization of agitated microspheres on various substrates

The vibration dynamics of relatively large granular grains is extensively treated in the literature, but comparable studies on the self-assembly of smaller agitated beads are lacking. In this work, we investigate how the particle properties and the properties of the underlying substrate surface affect the dynamics and self-organization of horizontally agitated monodisperse microspheres with diameters between 3 and 10 μm. Upon agitation, the agglomerated hydrophilic silica particles locally leave traces of particle monolayers as they move across the flat uncoated and fluorocarbon-coated silicon substrates. However, on the micromachined silicon tray with relatively large surface roughness, the agitated silica agglomerates form segregated bands reminiscent of earlier studies on granular suspensions or Faraday heaps. On the other hand, the less agglomerated hydrophobic polystyrene particles form densely occupied monolayer arrangements regardless of the underlying substrate. We explain the observations by considering the relevant adhesion and friction forces between particles and underlying substrates as well as those among the particles themselves. Interestingly, for both types of microspheres, large areas of the fluorocarbon-coated substrates are covered with densely occupied particle monolayers. By qualitatively examining the morphology of the self-organized particle monolayers using the Voronoi approach, it is understood that these monolayers are highly disordered, i.e., multiple symmetries coexist in the self-organized monolayers. However, more structured symmetries are identified in the monolayers of the agitated polystyrene microspheres on all the substrates, albeit not all precisely positioned on a hexagonal lattice. On the other hand, both the silica and polystyrene monolayers on the bare silicon substrates transition into less disordered structures as time progresses. Using Kelvin probe force microscopy measurements, we show that due to the tribocharging phenomenon, the formation of particle monolayers is promoted on the fluorocarbon surface, i.e., a local electrostatic attraction exists between the particle and the substrate.

Inverse gas chromatography as a tool for screening materials: The relation between Lewis acid-base constants and triboelectric charge density of polymers

Since Saint-Flour and Papirer first introduced Gutmann's acceptor number and donor number parameters into the inverse gas chromatography (IGC) field in 1982, IGC has become an important technology for the measurement of surface Lewis acid-base properties of solid materials. However, introducing new roles of Lewis acid-base parameters, especially using them to predict material properties rather than just explain material properties, is an important aspect in developing IGC technology. In this paper, we first introduce the Schultz and Abraham methods for measurement of acid-base properties and discuss the traditional role of acid-base parameters. Then, we present a relation between the ratio of acid-base constants, K_a/K_b, and triboelectric charge density of some polymers to prove the possible new application field of IGC.

Understanding Contact Electrification at Water/Polymer Interface

Contact electrification (CE) involves a complex interplay of physical interactions in realistic material systems. For this reason, scientific consensus on the qualitative and quantitative importance of different physical mechanisms on CE remains a formidable task. The CE mechanism at a water/polymer interface is a crucial challenge owing to the poor understanding of charge transfer at the atomic level. First-principle density functional theory (DFT), used in the present work, proposes a new paradigm to address CE. Our results indicate that CE follows the same trend as the gap between the highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (HOMO and LUMO) of polymers. Electron transfer occurs at the outmost atomic layer of the water/polymer interface and is closely linked to the functional groups and atom locations. When the polymer chains are parallel to the water layer, most electrons are transferred; conversely, if they are perpendicular to each other, the transfer of charges can be ignored. We demonstrate that a decrease in the interface distance between water and the polymer chains leads to CE in quantitative agreement with the electron cloud overlap model. We finally use DFT calculations to predict the properties of CE materials and their potential for triboelectric nanogenerator energy harvesting devices.

Density of Surface States: Another Key Contributing Factor in Triboelectric Charge Generation

The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has been invented as a technology for harvesting mechanical energy, as well as for allocating quantized charge for scientific instruments. The charge generation of the TENG is mainly related to the triboelectric effect or contact electrification (CE) as usually described by the potential-well-electron-cloud model, while the triboelectric charge transfer is related to the difference in the occupied energy levels of electrons. However, in our experiment, we observed an abnormal triboelectric charge generation phenomena between ternary materials, which cannot be explained by the occupied energy level difference only. To address this issue, we proposed the model based on the density of surface states (DOSS) as another key contributing factor to the triboelectric charge generation. To demonstrate our model, we introduced an approach to measure the DOSS through applying external electric field between two triboelectric surfaces. Our experiments confirmed the contribution of the DOSS to the triboelectric charge generation, with the derived charge density consistent with the measured results, which verified our model. We also predicted that the FEP has the potential to achieve a high charge density of ∼5.6 × 10^-4 C/m², which is close to the reported maximum values. This study provides another key contributing factor to the triboelectric charge generation, which may provide a more complete model for guiding the material selection and modification to tailor the surface charge generated by the CE.

On chain models for contact electrification

An exact analytical model of charge dynamics for a chain of atoms with asymmetric hopping terms is presented. Analytic and numeric results are shown to give rise to similar dynamics in both the absence and presence of electron interactions. The chain model is further extended to the case of two atoms per cell (a perfect alloy system). This extension is further applied to contact electrification between two different atomic chains and the effect of increasing the magnitude of the contact transfer matrix element is studied.

Electricity Generation and Self-Powered Sensing Enabled by Dynamic Electric Double Layer at Hydrogel-Dielectric Elastomer Interfaces

The electric double layer (EDL) at liquid-solid interfaces is fundamental to many research areas ranging from electrochemistry and microfluidics to colloidal chemistry. Here, we demonstrate the electricity generation by mechanically modulating the EDL at the hydrogel-dielectric polymer interfaces. It is found that contact electrification between the hydrogel and the dielectric polymer could charge the dielectric polymer surface at first; the mechanical deformation of the pyramid-shaped hydrogel results in the periodic variation of the EDL area and capacitance, which then induces an alternative current in the external circuits. This mechano-to-electrical energy conversion mechanism is then utilized to construct soft stretchable self-powered pressure sensors by designing dynamic EDL at hydrogel-dielectric elastomer interfaces. The sensitivity is optimized to 1.40 kPa^-1 in the low-pressure range of 31-300 Pa by increasing the elastomer roughness. Its antifreeze performance is also improved by adding ethylene glycol into the hydrogel. The capability in detecting subtle human activities is further demonstrated. This mechano-electrical energy conversion and the corresponding self-powered sensor can be widely applied in future soft electronics.

Electromechanical coupling in elastomers: a correlation between electrostatic potential and fatigue failure

The recent discovery of electromechanical coupling in elastomers showed periodic electrification in phase with rubber stretching but following different electrostatic potential patterns. In this work, a Kelvin electrode monitored silicone and natural rubber electrification for extended periods until the rubber tubing underwent rupture. The electric potential of the rubber follows regular, quasi-sinusoidal patterns at the beginning and during the whole run, except when close to rubber fatigue failure, changing into complex waveforms. The attractors on natural latex and silicone rubber become chaotic at roughly 50 seconds before rubber rupture when the nearby orbits diverge wildly. Thus, mechanical-to-electrical transduction in rubber alerts fatigue failure nearly one minute ahead of the breakdown. Moreover, electrostatic potential maps of stretched rubbers show the electrification of the rupture sites, evidencing the electrostatic contribution to the breakdown. These results show the convenient features of electromechanical coupling in rubbers for the non-contact, real-time prediction of the rubber fatigue failure, adding to the possibility of environmental energy harvesting.

Nanoscale Charge Density and Dynamics in Graphene Oxide

Graphene oxide (GO) is widely used as a component in thin film optoelectronic device structures for practical reasons because its electronic and optical properties can be controlled. Progress critically depends on elucidating the nanoscale electronic structure of GO. However, direct experimental access is challenging because of its disordered and nonconductive character. Here, we quantitatively mapped the nanoscopic charge distribution and charge dynamics of an individual GO sheet by using Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM). Charge domains are identified, presenting important charge interactions below distances of 20 nm. Charge dynamics with very long relaxation times of at least several hours and a logarithmic decay of the time correlation function are in excellent agreement with Monte Carlo simulations, revealing an universal hopping transport mechanism best described by Efros-Shklovskii's law.

Self-Powered Interactive Fiber Electronics with Visual-Digital Synergies

Fiber electronics with mechanosensory functionality are highly desirable in healthcare, human-machine interfaces, and robotics. Most efforts are committed to optimize the electronically readable interface of fiber mechanoreceptor, while the user interface based on naked-eye readable output is rarely explored. Here, a scalable fiber electronics that can simultaneously visualize and digitize the mechanical stimulus without external power supply, named self-powered optoelectronic synergistic fiber sensors (SOEFSs), are reported. By coupling of space and surface charge polarization, a new mechanoluminescent (ML)-triboelectric synergistic effect is realized. It contributes to remarkable enhancement of both electrical (by 100%) and optical output (by 30%), as well as novel temporal-spatial resolution mode for motion capturing. Based on entirely new thermoplastic ML material system and spinning process, industrial-level continuously manufacture and recycling processes of SOEFS are realized. Furthermore, SOEFSs' application in human-machine interface, virtual reality, and underwater sensing, rescue, and information interaction is demonstrated.

Mixed Triboelectric and Flexoelectric Charge Transfer at the Nanoscale

The triboelectric effect is a ubiquitous phenomenon in which the surfaces of two materials are easily charged during the contact-separation process. Despite the widespread consequences and applications, the charging mechanisms are not sufficiently understood. Here, the authors report that, in the presence of a strain gradient, the charge transfer is a result of competition between flexoelectricity and triboelectricity, which could enhance charge transfer during triboelectric measurements when the charge transfers of both effects are in the same direction. When they are in the opposite directions, the direction and amount of charge transfer could be modulated by the competition between flexoelectric and triboelectric effects, which leads to a distinctive phenomenon, that is, the charge transfer is reversed with varying forces. The subsequent results on the electrical power output signals from the triboelectrification support the proposed mechanism. Therefore, the present study emphasizes the key role of the flexoelectric effect through experimental approaches, and suggests that both the amount and direction of charge transfer can be modulated by manipulating the mixed triboelectric and flexoelectric effects. This finding may provide important information on the triboelectric effect and can be further extended to serve as a guideline for material selection during a nanopatterned device design.

Interface inter-atomic electron-transition induced photon emission in contact-electrification

Contact electrification (CE) (or triboelectrification) is the phenomena where charges are produced through physical contact between two materials. Here we report the atomic featured photon emission spectra during CE between two solid materials. Photon emission provides the evidence that electron transfer takes place at the interface from an atom in one material to another atom in the other material during CE. This process is the contact electrification induced interface photon emission spectroscopy (CEIIPES). It naturally paves a way to a spectroscopy corresponding to the CE at an interface, which might impact our understanding of the interaction between solids, liquids, and gases. The physics presented here could be expanded to Auger electron excitation, x-ray emission, and electron emission in CE for general cases, which remain to be explored. This could lead to a general field that may be termed as contact electrification induced interface spectroscopy (CEIIS).

Probing Contact Electrification: A Cohesively Sticky Problem

Contact electrification and the triboelectric effect are complex processes for mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion, particularly for highly deformable polymers. While generating relatively low power density, contact electrification can occur at the contact-separation interface between nearly any two polymer surfaces. This ubiquitousness of surfaces enables contact electrification to be an important phenomenon to understand energy conversion and harvesting applications. The mechanism of charge generation between polymeric materials remains ambiguous, with electron transfer, material (also known as mass) transfer, and adsorbed chemical species transfer (including induced ionization of water and other molecules) all being proposed as the primary source of the measured charge. Often, all sources of charge, except electron transfer, are dismissed in the case of triboelectric energy harvesters, leading to the generation of the "triboelectric series", governed by the ability of a polymer to lose, or accept, an electron. Here, this sole focus on electron transfer is challenged through rigorous experiments, measuring charge density in polymer-polymer (196 polymer combinations), polymer-glass (14 polymers), and polymer-liquid metal (14 polymers) systems. Through the investigation of these interfaces, clear evidence of material transfer via heterolytic bond cleavage is provided. Based on these results, a generalized model considering the cohesive energy density of polymers as the critical parameter for polymer contact electrification is discussed. This discussion clearly shows that material transfer must be accounted for when discussing the source of charge generated by polymeric mechanical energy harvesters. Thus, a correlated physical property to understand the triboelectric series is provided.

Violation of triboelectric charge conservation on colliding particles

In microgravity experiments, we quantified the net charge on systems of two identical, 434-μm-diameter glass spheres before and after a collision. We find that charge conservation is significantly violated. Independent of the sign of the total charge, the systems regularly lose some of their net charges, that is, they slightly discharge. This implies that positive as well as negative charge carriers become entrained into the surrounding atmosphere during a collision.

From contact electrification to triboelectric nanogenerators

Although the contact electrification (CE) (or usually called 'triboelectrification') effect has been known for over 2600 years, its scientific mechanism still remains debated after decades. Interest in studying CE has been recently revisited due to the invention of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), which are the most effective approach for converting random, low-frequency mechanical energy (called high entropy energy) into electric power for distributed energy applications. This review is composed of three parts that are coherently linked, ranging from basic physics, through classical electrodynamics, to technological advances and engineering applications. First, the mechanisms of CE are studied for general cases involving solids, liquids and gas phases. Various physics models are presented to explain the fundamentals of CE by illustrating that electron transfer is the dominant mechanism for CE for solid-solid interfaces. Electron transfer also occurs in the CE at liquid-solid and liquid-liquid interfaces. An electron-cloud overlap model is proposed to explain CE in general. This electron transfer model is extended to liquid-solid interfaces, leading to a revision of the formation mechanism of the electric double layer at liquid-solid interfaces. Second, by adding a time-dependent polarization termPscreated by the CE-induced surface electrostatic charges in the displacement fieldD, we expand Maxwell's equations to include both the medium polarizations due to electric field (P) and mechanical aggitation and medium boundary movement induced polarization term (Ps). From these, the output power, electromagnetic (EM) behaviour and current transport equation for a TENG are systematically derived from first principles. A general solution is presented for the modified Maxwell's equations, and analytical solutions for the output potential are provided for a few cases. The displacement current arising fromε∂E/∂t is responsible for EM waves, while the newly added term ∂Ps/∂t is responsible for energy and sensors. This work sets the standard theory for quantifying the performance and EM behaviour of TENGs in general. Finally, we review the applications of TENGs for harvesting all kinds of available mechanical energy that is wasted in our daily life, such as human motion, walking, vibration, mechanical triggering, rotating tires, wind, flowing water and more. A summary is provided about the applications of TENGs in energy science, environmental protection, wearable electronics, self-powered sensors, medical science, robotics and artificial intelligence.

New instrument based on electrostatic sensor array for measuring tribo-electrification charging due to single particle impacts

In the processing of particulate solids, particle-particle and particle-wall collisions can generate electrostatics. This is called contact/impact/frictional electrification and can lead to many problems such as affecting powder flow and explosion hazards. It is necessary to research the tribo-electrification charging due to single particle impacts on a target as the fundamental understanding of tribo-electrification. A new impact charging test rig based on an electrostatic sensor array that can measure charge transfer caused by a single impact between a particle and a target plane has been designed and established. Combined with the electrostatic sensor array, the compressed sensing algorithm is used to estimate not only the spatial position but also the charge amount of particle. The cross-correlation algorithm is used to determine particle's velocity instead of using other devices such as a photodetector. The new instrument allows single particles impacting target planes at different angles with a velocity exceeding 100 m/s. An oil calibration test rig has been constructed to verify the proposed methods. The estimation errors of the spatial position and charge amount are both within 5% when the particle is located at the central area of the pipeline and the estimation errors of velocities are within 2%. The impact charging experiments show a special initial charge prior to impact for which no net charge transfer would occur for polymer particles, but the charge would completely transfer for metal particles.

M13 Virus Triboelectricity and Energy Harvesting

Triboelectrification is a phenomenon that generates electric potential upon contact. Here, we report a viral particle capable of generating triboelectric potential. M13 bacteriophage is exploited to fabricate precisely defined chemical and physical structures. By genetically engineering the charged structures, we observe that more negatively charged phages can generate higher triboelectric potentials and can diffuse the electric charges faster than less negatively charged phages can. The computational results show that the glutamate-engineered phages lower the LUMO energy level so that they can easily accept electrons from other materials upon contact. A phage-based triboelectric nanogenerator is fabricated and it could produce ∼76 V and ∼5.1 μA, enough to power 30 light-emitting diodes upon a mechanical force application. Our biotechnological approach will be useful to understand the electrical behavior of biomaterials, harvest mechanical energy, and provide a novel modality to detect desired viruses in the future.

Microscale Bipolar Charge Distributions on Surfaces after Liquid Wetting and Evaporation in an Electric Field

Studies have shown that when insulator surfaces become electrostatically charged, complex spatial distributions of charge are produced, which are made up of micrometer-scale regions of both charge polarities. The origin of these charge patterns, often called "charge mosaics", is not understood. Here, we carried out controlled Kelvin force microscopy experiments on microfabricated interdigitated electrode systems to show that the process of wetting a surface by a liquid followed by evaporation of the liquid in an electric field can lead to neighboring micrometer-scale regions of positive and negative charge, which remain stable long after the electric field is removed. We thus suggest that local electric fields, perhaps due to the existing charge on the surface, can act in concert with liquid evaporation to contribute to the creation of charge mosaics.

High-Electrification Performance and Mechanism of a Water-Solid Mode Triboelectric Nanogenerator

With the advantages of superior wear resistance, mechanical durability, and stability, the liquid-solid mode triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has been attracting much attention in the field of energy harvesting and self-powered sensors. However, most reports are primarily observational, and there still lacks a universal model of this kind of TENG. Here, an equivalent circuit model and corresponding governing equations of a water-solid mode TENG are developed, which could easily be extended to other types of liquid-solid mode TENGs. Based on the first-order lumped circuit theory, the full equivalent circuit model of water-solid mode TENG is modeled as a series connection of two capacitors and a water resistor. Accordingly, its output characteristics and critical influences are examined, to investigate the relevant physical mechanism behind them. Afterward, a three-dimensional water-solid TENG array constructed from many single-wire TENGs is fabricated, which can not only harvest tiny amounts of energy from any movement of water, but also can verify our theoretical predictions. The fundamentals of the water-solid mode TENG presented in this work could contribute to solving the problem of electrical phenomena on a liquid-solid interface, and may establish a sound basis for a thorough understanding of the liquid-solid mode TENG.

Energy Harvesting and Storage with Soft and Stretchable Materials

This review highlights various modes of converting ambient sources of energy into electricity using soft and stretchable materials. These mechanical properties are useful for emerging classes of stretchable electronics, e-skins, bio-integrated wearables, and soft robotics. The ability to harness energy from the environment allows these types of devices to be tetherless, thereby leading to a greater range of motion (in the case of robotics), better compliance (in the case of wearables and e-skins), and increased application space (in the case of electronics). A variety of energy sources are available including mechanical (vibrations, human motion, wind/fluid motion), electromagnetic (radio frequency (RF), solar), and thermodynamic (chemical or thermal energy). This review briefly summarizes harvesting mechanisms and focuses on the materials' strategies to render such devices into soft or stretchable embodiments.

Dynamics of contact electrification

Although the electrical charging of objects brought into contact has been observed for at least 2000 years, the details of the underlying mechanism are still not yet fully understood. The present paper deals with the very basic process of contact electrification between two metals. We have developed an experimental method to follow the charge of a small sphere bouncing on a grounded planar electrode on a time scale down to 1 μs. It reveals that the sphere is discharged in the moment of contact, which lasts about 6 to 8 μs. However, at the very moment of disruption of the electrical contact, it regains charge far beyond the expectation according to the contact potential difference. The excess charge rises with increasing contact area.

Triboelectric Yarns with Electrospun Functional Polymer Coatings for Highly Durable and Washable Smart Textile Applications

Triboelectric generators are excellent candidates for smart textiles applications due to their ability to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. Such devices can be manufactured into yarns by coating a conductive core with a triboelectric material, but current triboelectric yarns lack the durability and washing resistance required for textile-based applications. In this work, we develop a unique triboelectric yarn comprising a conducting carbon nanotube (CNT) yarn electrode coated with poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) fibers deposited by a customized electrospinning process. We show that the electrospun PVDF fibers adhere extremely well to the CNT core, producing a uniform and stable triboelectric coating. The PVDF-CNT coaxial yarn exhibits remarkable triboelectric energy harvesting during fatigue testing with a 33% power output improvement and a peak power density of 20.7 μW cm^-2 after 200 000 fatigue cycles. This is potentially due to an increase in the active surface area of the PVDF fiber coating upon repeated contact. Furthermore, our triboelectric yarn meets standard textile industry benchmarks for both abrasion and washing by retaining functionality over 1200 rubbing cycles and 10 washing cycles. We demonstrate the energy harvesting and motion sensing capabilities of our triboelectric yarn in prototype textile-based applications, thereby highlighting its applicability to smart textiles.

Manipulating Electrical Properties of Silica-Based Materials via Atomic Oxygen Irradiation

Regulated triboelectrification has attracted considerable research attention due to its potential applications in harvesting energy and importance in antistatic protection. Irradiation is an effective and stable modification method due to its adjustable and uniform irradiation parameters. Moreover, atomic oxygen (AO) irradiation is an important component in the low earth orbit, which is a considerable factor for promoting triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) in the outer space. AO irradiation was utilized to manipulate the surface structure and chemical composition to regulate electrical properties. AO irradiation can increase electron-donating groups and enhance electrical positivity of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) films due to the transition from Si-C bonds to Si-O bonds. Therefore, different trends of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polystyrene (PS) were caused by their TENG composition with irradiated PDMS. Tribocharge cross-over polarity and charge generation were prevented completely in PS- and PDMS-based TENGs by adjusting the irradiation time to 4.1 h. Short-circuit current enhanced from 5 to 22 μA and the output voltage increased from 160 to 760 V when PDMS films in PTFE- and PDMS-based TENGs were subjected to AO irradiation for 6 h. This study demonstrated that AO irradiation can manipulate triboelectric properties of silica-based materials, which are potential components for harvesting energy and preventing electrostatic hazard in the outer space.

Triboelectric Nanogenerator: Structure, Mechanism, and Applications

With the rapid development of the Internet of Things (IoT), the number of sensors utilized for the IoT is expected to exceed 200 billion by 2025. Thus, sustainable energy supplies without the recharging and replacement of the charge storage device have become increasingly important. Among various energy harvesters, the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has attracted considerable attention due to its high instantaneous output power, broad selection of available materials, eco-friendly and inexpensive fabrication process, and various working modes customized for target applications. The TENG harvests electrical energy from wasted mechanical energy in the ambient environment. Three types of operational modes based on contact-separation, sliding, and freestanding are reviewed for two different configurations with a double-electrode and a single-electrode structure in the TENGs. Various charge transfer mechanisms to explain the operational principles of TENGs during triboelectrification are also reviewed for electron, ion, and material transfers. Thereafter, diverse methodologies to enhance the output power considering the energy harvesting efficiency and energy transferring efficiency are surveyed. Moreover, approaches involving not only energy harvesting by a TENG but also energy storage by a charge storage device are also reviewed. Finally, a variety of applications with TENGs are introduced. This review can help to advance TENGs for use in self-powered sensors, energy harvesters, and other systems. It can also contribute to assisting with more comprehensive and rational designs of TENGs for various applications.

Rationally patterned electrode of direct-current triboelectric nanogenerators for ultrahigh effective surface charge density

As a new-era of energy harvesting technology, the enhancement of triboelectric charge density of triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is always crucial for its large-scale application on Internet of Things (IoTs) and artificial intelligence (AI). Here, a microstructure-designed direct-current TENG (MDC-TENG) with rationally patterned electrode structure is presented to enhance its effective surface charge density by increasing the efficiency of contact electrification. Thus, the MDC-TENG achieves a record high charge density of ~5.4 mC m⁻², which is over 2-fold the state-of-art of AC-TENGs and over 10-fold compared to previous DC-TENGs. The MDC-TENG realizes both the miniaturized device and high output performance. Meanwhile, its effective charge density can be further improved as the device size increases. Our work not only provides a miniaturization strategy of TENG for the application in IoTs and AI as energy supply or self-powered sensor, but also presents a paradigm shift for large-scale energy harvesting by TENGs.

Low charge density is the bottleneck for the applications of triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). Here, the authors demonstrate a microstructure-designed direct-current TENG with rationally patterned electrode structure to enhance its effective charge density to a new milestone.

Integration of a soft dielectric composite into a cantilever beam for mechanical energy harvesting, comparison between capacitive and triboelectric transducers

Flexible dielectrics that harvest mechanical energy via electrostatic effects are excellent candidates as power sources for wearable electronics or autonomous sensors. The integration of a soft dielectric composite (polydimethylsiloxane PDMS-carbon black CB) into two mechanical energy harvesters is here presented. Both are based on a similar cantilever beam but work on different harvesting principles: variable capacitor and triboelectricity. We show that without an external bias the triboelectric beam harvests a net density power of 0.3 [Formula: see text] under a sinusoidal acceleration of 3.9g at 40 Hz. In a variable capacitor configuration, a bias of 0.15 [Formula: see text] is required to get the same energy harvesting performance under the same working conditions. As variable capacitors' harvesting performance are quadratically dependent on the applied bias, increasing the bias allows the system to harvest energy much more efficiently than the triboelectric one. The present results make CB/PDMS composites promising for autonomous portable multifunctional systems and intelligent sensors.

Facile Strategy to Generate Charged Droplets with Desired Polarities

Water droplets are usually charged positively via either electrospray or contact electrification at the solid/liquid interface. Herein, we describe a facile two-step strategy to generate charged droplets with desired polarities. In particular, negatively charged droplets can be generated via electrostatic induction using a precharged superamphiphobic substrate as an electret. The interplay of repulsive and attractive interactions between like- and unlike-charged droplets or electret leads to rapid droplet transport and self-assembly of specific highly ordered arrays.

Spatial Segregation of Microspheres by Rubbing-Induced Triboelectrification on Patterned Surfaces

Particle (monolayer) assembly is essential to various scientific and industrial applications, such as the fabrication of photonic crystals, optical sensors, and surface coatings. Several methods, including rubbing, have been developed for this purpose. Here, we report on the serendipitous observation that microparticles preferentially partition onto the fluorocarbon-coated parts of patterned silicon and borosilicate glass wafers when rubbed with poly(dimethylsiloxane) slabs. To explore the extent of this effect, we varied the geometry of the pattern, the substrate material, the ambient humidity, and the material and size of the particles. Partitioning coefficients amounted up to a factor of 12 on silicon wafers and even ran in the 100s on borosilicate glass wafers at zero humidity. Using Kelvin probe force microscopy, the observations can be explained by triboelectrification, inducing a strong electrostatic attraction between the particles and the fluorocarbon zones, while the interaction with the noncoated zones is insignificant or even weakly repulsive.

Switched-capacitor-convertors based on fractal design for output power management of triboelectric nanogenerator

Owing to the advantages of integration and being magnet-free and light-weight, the switched-capacitor-convertor plays an increasing role compared to traditional transformer in some specific power supply systems. However, the high output impedance and switching loss largely reduces its power efficiency, due to imperfect topology and transistors. Herein, we propose a fractal-design based switched-capacitor-convertors with characteristics including high conversion efficiency, minimum output impedance, and electrostatic voltage applicability. As a double-function output power management system for triboelectric nanogenerators, it delivers over 67 times charge boosting and 954 W m-2 power density in pulse mode, and achieves over 94% total energy transfer efficiency in constant mode. The establishment of the fractal-design switched-capacitor-convertors provides significant guidance for the development of power management toward multi-functional output for numerous applications. The successful demonstration in triboelectric nanogenerators also declares its great potential in electric vehicles, DC micro-grids etc.

Sublimation Electrification of Organic Compounds

The electrification of crystalline deposits of organic compounds under high vacuum was measured and quantified. A group of compounds that produce multiply charged ions by matrix-assisted ionization were deposited on a metal plate, and the current was amplified and recorded; the total charge was obtained by integration of the current. Signals of several hundred picoamperes were obtained within 10 s of the application of high vacuum and persisted for several minutes as the compounds sublimed. The magnitude and sign of the charge were matrix dependent and were affected by the presence of organic or mineral acid in the crystalline deposit, as well as by the application of an electric field. The observations are interpreted as surface electrification caused by the emission of small charged matrix particles during sublimation, with ionic charge carriers comprising protons and hydroxide ions.

Quantifying contact status and the air-breakdown model of charge-excitation triboelectric nanogenerators to maximize charge density

Surface charge density is the key factor for developing high performance triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG). The previously invented charge excitation TENG provides a most efficient way to achieve maximum charge output of a TENG device. Herein, criteria to quantitatively evaluate the contact efficiency and air breakdown model on charge excitation TENG are established to enhance and evaluate charge density. The theoretical results are further verified by systematic experiments. A high average charge density up to 2.38 mC m-2 is achieved using the 4 μm PEI film and homemade carbon/silicone gel electrode in ambient atmosphere with 5% relative humidity. This work also reveals the actual charge density (over 4.0 mC m-2) in a TENG electrode based on quantified surface micro-contact efficiency and provides a prospective technical approach to improve the charge density, which could push the output performance of TENG to a new horizon.

Additive Contact Polarization of Nonferroelectric Polymers for Patterning of Multilevel Memory Elements

When a thin polymer film supported by a conductive substrate is contacted by and then separated from a micropatterned polymeric stamp, the so-called contact electrification creates electrical charges over the stamped regions. Simultaneously, image charges are induced in the conductive substrate. Together, the surface and image charges establish large fields within the film, in effect polarizing it. Upon consecutive stampings, the magnitudes of polarization add up, enabling imprinting of multilevel polarization patterns. Because the electric field is high only within the film but low across the Gaussian surface surrounding the film/substrate system, the discharge of surface charges is slow and the polarization patterns are relatively long-lived. These findings are significant since multilevel polarization states have, to date, been achieved only in ferroelectrics or some specialized polymers-the current method extends them to common polymers such as poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), or poly(vinyl acetate).

UV-cured nanocomposite coating for surface charging mitigation and breakdown strength enhancement: exploring the combination of surface topographical structure and perfluorooctyl chain

A facile method using a nanocomposite coating is proposed to suppress surface charge accumulation and enhance the surface breakdown strength of polymeric insulating materials like epoxy resin, by covering a thin 1,1,2,2-tetrahydroperfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane modified alumina (Al₂O₃) flake/UV curable resin nanocomposite coating. Due to the peculiar characteristics of perfluorooctyl chains at the microscale and the intricate topographical structure of morphology at the mesoscale, the coating exhibits enhanced water/oil repellence, surface charge accumulation resistance, and flashover withstanding capability. It is found that increasing the content of modified Al₂O₃ is conducive to decreasing the surface free energy of the specimens, rendering them superhydrophobic. Experimental tests in air show that the presence of nanoparticles generates numerous carrier traps at the surface layer, contributing to a much faster charge decay rate. Furthermore, impulse flashover voltage tests under vacuum show a >100% improvement of surface electrical strength. Further experimental results reveal that lower secondary electron emission yield remarkably alleviates the surface charging phenomenon, thus relieving electric field distortion caused by hetero-charges. We envision that such a multifunctional strategy for surface discharge mitigation is efficient, adaptable and easy to scale up, and thereby exhibits great prospects for applications in electronics and electrical power systems.

A facile method using a nanocomposite coating is proposed to suppress surface charge accumulation and enhance the surface breakdown strength of polymeric insulating materials like epoxy resin by covering a thin modified alumina flake/UV curable resin nanocomposite coating.

Influence of Particle Contact Number on Triboelectric Separation Selectivity

Triboelectric separation is a promising technology to separate fine powders. To enable triboelectric separation for its application in industry, the impact of the process and product parameters must be examined. In this study, with regards to different wall materials in the charging step (PTFE, POM, PE, PVC, and PMMA), the influence of the powder composition of a binary starch-protein mixture with a protein content of 15 wt.%, 30 wt.% and 45 wt.% was studied. By increasing the protein content in the feed, the separation selectivity increased. No dependency of the empirical triboelectric series was determined for all powder compositions. The variation in the protein content of the initial powder and turbulent flow profiles results in a variation in the contact number of particles calculated. An increase in the contact number of particles leads to an increase in the protein content separated on the cathode, whereas the protein content on the anode is only slightly affected. These findings underpin the assumption that particle-particle interaction plays a decisive role in triboelectric charging of fine powders.