Maximizing the energy scavenging capability of droplet triboelectric nanogenerators through surface engineering.

Recent advancements in energy harvesting have led to innovative methods for converting droplet motion into electricity, such as droplet triboelectric nanogenerators (D-TENGs). However, enhancing their power generation capacity and efficiency remains a challenge. We present a novel surface engineering approach that significantly boosts the electrical outputs of the D-TENGs. By grafting perfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane (PFDTMS) onto polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surfaces pre-treated with sandpaper, we achieve a dual effect: fluoridation and increased contact area between droplets and PDMS. This modification, when applied to a droplet-based TENG, yields a remarkable 10–20 fold increase in power metrics such as current, charge, and voltage as compared to untreated counterparts, resulting in an energy conversion efficiency of 17.1% under a 30 MΩ load. Our enhanced D-TENG efficiently harvested energy from falling tap water droplets, producing a current of ∼2 mA. Remarkably, a single droplet impact could illuminate 400 LED lights. Furthermore, when coupled with capacitors, the device powered a hygrometer and 3 W light bulbs, demonstrating substantial potential for real-world applications. This breakthrough in surface engineering for energy harvesters represents a significant step forward in the efficient and powerful generation of electricity from droplet motions. [Display omitted] • High performance device harvests energy from droplets. • Improved device performance achieved through surface engineering. • The impact of a single tap water droplet can generate a current exceeding 2 mA. • An energy conversion efficiency of 17.1% is achieved under a 30 MΩ load. • A single droplet impact can illuminate up to 400 LED lights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]