Natural silk-composite enabled versatile robust triboelectric nanogenerators for smart applications. (May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dudem, Bhaskar; Graham, Sontyana Adonijah; Dharmasena, R.D. Ishara G.; Silva, S. Ravi P.; Yu, Jae Su
• Is Part Of: Nano energy. Volume 83(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-05
• Subjects: Crystalline silk microparticles -- Humid resistant -- Pouch-like triboelectric nanogenerators -- TENG applications -- Distance-dependent electric field; Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanostructured materials -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Nanoscience; Nanostructured materials; Nanotechnology; Power resources -- Technological innovations; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2021.105819
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-2855

Abstract

Abstract: Strategies to maximize the surface charge density across triboelectric layers while protecting it from humidity are crucial in employing triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) for commercial/real-time applications. Herein, for the first time, we propose the utility of crystalline silk microparticles (SMPs) to improve the surface charge density in materials like polyvinyl alcohol to realise its applicability for TENG devices. Moreover, these SMPs are extracted from discarded Bombyx mori silkworm cocoons by facile, inexpensive, and single-step alkaline-hydrolysis treatment. We examine the performance of these composites with counter-materials composed of waste PTFE plastic cups to show reuse in recycled products. The processing cost of TENG developed from recycled materials is not only low but eco-friendly. The TENG performance as a function of the concentration of SMPs is investigated and compared with the composite's work-function and surface-potentials, with the distance-dependent electric field theoretical model employed to optimize the performance. Consequently, the optimized TENG exhibits maximum output voltage, current, charge, and power density of ∼280 V, 17.3 μA, 32.5 nC, and 14.4 W·m −2, respectively, creating a highly competitive energy harvester that can conform to the rigorous needs of wearables and mobile applications. Furthermore, the fully packaged silicone rubber device protects it from humidity and enables the device utility for practical applications with a soft, comfortable, and skin-friendly interface. Graphical Abstract: ga1 Highlights: Eco-friendly/recycled silkcocoons & plastic cups utilized to develop TENGs are advantageous towards its commercialization. Inexpensive/facile techniques used to produce CSPCF can open a new pathway for developing biocompatible TENGs over large areas. Ever before, the applicability of DDEF model expanded to represent homogeneous composites, for simulating TENG output trends. CSPCF-TENG is packed with silicone rubber to protect it from moisture & to attain stable performance under harsh conditions. Such package also enables it to be softer, comfortable-to-wear, and skin-friendly, while harvesting daily human activities.