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We have fabricated triboelectric nanogenerarators (TENGs) using ZnO and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) in which ZnO growth temperature was varied in the range from 450 °Ct 750 °C. The output voltage/current of TENGs increases with increase of ZnO growth temperature up to 600 °C and then decreases with further increase of growth temperature up to 750 °C. TENG fabricated with ZnO grown at 600 °C exhibits maximum electrical output with peak to peak voltage of ∼210 V, current ∼95 μA and power density ∼8.8 mW/cm2 upon application of a periodic force of ∼30 N @ 6 Hz, which is higher than the power densities reported till date in the case of ZnO-based TENGs. This enhanced output power density can be mainly attributed to the large effective work function difference obtained between ZnO and PDMS. Electrical, photoluminescence and ultra-violet photoelectron spectroscopy measurements clearly suggest the dominant role of electron transport in the charge transfer between ZnO and PDMS. Practical applications of TENGs have been demonstrated by powering 38 LEDs and a stopwatch display. This study not only deepens the understanding of contact electrification between ZnO and PDMS, but opens up the immense potential of ZnO-based TENGs for possible vibration energy harvesting applications. • Triboelectric nanogenerarators (TENGs) was fabricated using ZnO and PDMS. • ZnO based TENG exhibited a high power density of ∼8.8 mW/cm2. • Powering capability of the TENG was demonstrated by flashing 38 commercial LEDs. • The electron dominated charge transfer between ZnO and PDMS was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]