Ultrarobust and High-Performance Rotational Hydrodynamic Triboelectric Nanogenerator Enabled by Automatic Mode Switch and Charge Excitation.

Abstract

The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is an emerging technology for the ambient mechanical energy harvesting, which provides a possibility to realize the wild environment monitor by self-powered sensing systems. However, TENG is limited in some practical applications as a result of low output performance (low charge density) and mechanical durability (material abrasion). Herein, an ultrarobust and high-performance rotational TENG enabled by automatic mode switch (contact mode in low speed and non-contact in high speed) and charge excitation is proposed. It displays excellent stability maintaining 94% electrical output after 72,000 cycles, much higher than that of the normal contact mode TENG (30%). Due to its high electrical stability and large electrical output, this TENG powers 944 green LEDs to brightness in series. Furthermore, by harvesting the water flow energy, various commercial capacitors can be charged fast, and the self-powered fire alarm, and self-powered temperature and humidity detection are realized. This work provides an ideal scheme for enhancing the mechanical durability, broadening the range of working frequency and improving the electrical output of TENG. In addition, the high performance hydrodynamic triboelectric nanogenerator demonstrated in this work would have great applications for Internet of Things in remote area. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.