Development of Flexible Triboelectric Generators Based on Patterned Conductive Textile and PDMS Layers

Abstract

A triboelectric generator (TEG) is a simple coupling combined with triboelectrification and electrostatic induction, which can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy and have the potential for self-powered device application. In this study, TEGs are fabricated consisting of a conductive textile (CT) layer (a fabric woven with polyester and stainless steel) and a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layer. The CT friction layer is also used as a conductive electrode and designed with various surface morphologies, including unpatterned, dots, and lines with 1 and 2 cm spacings. Experimental results show that the TEG with an unpatterned CT layer produces an output voltage of 54.6 V and an output current of 5.46 µA. The patterned surfaces increase the effective contact area and friction effect between the CT and PDMS layers and hence enhance the output voltage and current to 94.4 V and 9.44 µA. Compared to the unpatterned CT layer, the pattern use of 1 cm spaced lines, 2 cm spaced lines, and dots improves the output voltage and current by 1.73, 1.68, and 1.24 times, respectively. Moreover, the TEG with 1 cm spaced lines generates a high output power density of 181.9 mW/m2.