Computational study of mesh-structured triboelectric generators

Abstract

Triboelectric generators (TEGs) are vital for transforming mechanical energy into electrical power, facilitating the creation of self-powered devices that minimise reliance on traditional power sources. Furthermore, most typical TEGs are limited to simple 2D forms and films, limiting their potential applications. We have focused on developing 3D architectures with volumetric triboelectric dipoles to solve this. To this end, two polymeric materials with different triboelectric properties were employed for the designing of 3D architectures and the optimisation of all-polymer TEG performance. Our simplified design eliminates the integration of internal electrodes in a 3D structure. This study paves the way towards volumetric 3D TEG architectures for improved mechanical energy harvesting.Triboelectric generators (TEGs) are vital for transforming mechanical energy into electrical power, facilitating the creation of self-powered devices that minimise reliance on traditional power sources. Furthermore, most typical TEGs are limited to simple 2D forms and films, limiting their potential applications. We have focused on developing 3D architectures with volumetric triboelectric dipoles to solve this. To this end, two polymeric materials with different triboelectric properties were employed for the designing of 3D architectures and the optimisation of all-polymer TEG performance. Our simplified design eliminates the integration of internal electrodes in a 3D structure. This study paves the way towards volumetric 3D TEG architectures for improved mechanical energy harvesting.