Output power density enhancement of triboelectric nanogenerators via ferroelectric polymer composite interfacial layers

To date, several attempts have been made to improve the performance of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). Although notable advancements have been made in the output power density, it is still relatively low and further improvement in the output power density has been limited by air breakdown issue. In this work, we proposed preferable composite structures and an electrical activation method to maximize the output performance of TENGs by adopting ferroelectric composite interfacial layer. Specifically, by doping Nylon 11 with Poly (methyl methacrylate) - PMMA, we intensified the positive triboelectricity of Nylon 11 and simultaneously improved its physical durability. The negative triboelectricity of PVDF-TrFE was also enhanced by compositing with ZrO2 nanoparticles (NPs). Triboelectricity of both polymer composites was further boosted by polarizing them in favorable direction. Therefore, high frictional surface charge density of 220 μC/m2 was achieved in short-circuit condition, effectively promoting charge outputs. Consequently, the open circuit voltage and short circuit current density of ~500 V and ~500 μA cm−2 were achieved, respectively, exhibiting a remarkable output power density of ~42 mW cm−2.