Conventional methods to harvest and supply energy can hardly satisfy the rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G network. As an emerging solution, flexible triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have been invented and developed for over a decade as a portable solution to sustainable energy generation on demand. The operation of TENGs mostly depends on contact electrification, which exists between any two materials with electrostatic charge potential difference. To optimize the performance of TENGs, choosing the desirable material pair with high work function difference, increasing contact surface area between materials, and designing an efficient device structure are the three most dominant tasks. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) has been experimentally proven as excellent dielectric material in TENGs and other energy harvesting technologies, owing to its good formability and flexibility. Herein, we present a robust and unique route to fabricate a surface-modified TENG realized by the capillary force lithography of polyurethane films. Among the most frequently applicable surfaces in healthcare and household settings, polyurethane coatings are widely utilized due to their combined benefits of tunable mechanical properties and excellent chemical resistance with desirable weatherability. Our proposed approach is based on regulating the contact surface area and the mechanical energy to enhance the output performance of TPU-based TENGs. The fabrication of flexible TENGs followed by our proposed method will exhibit distinctive advantages, such as low cost, high durability, and peak output performance. Meanwhile, the topographically designed TPU films present excellent antifouling properties. Besides, our rational design of the triboelectric layer opens avenues towards energy harvesting devices with critical hygienic applications in the post-pandemic era.

Antibacterial flexible triboelectric nanogenerator via capillary force lithography

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.