Adaptation of Triboelectric Nanogenerators to the Integrated Energy Storages by a Textured Multi‐Segment Structure

Abstract

High‐level voltage and extremely low current are the main characteristics of Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs). Despite TENGs, their Integrated Energy Storage (IES) units like supercapacitors and battery units require low‐level voltage and a high amount of current for self‐charging power applications. Using proper materials with higher triboelectric charge density is the most common approach to enhance the output current of TENGs. However, this approach alone does not satisfy the requirement of the integrated energy storage units, in which a relatively low voltage along with a sufficiently high current is needed. Consequently, alternative approaches such as employing a power management circuitry have been proposed. This paper introduces a technique based on the texture of multiple TENGs with identical small surface areas to adapt the TENGs to their IESs, specifically tailored for wearable electronics. Some experiments are conducted to evaluate the merits and limitations of the proposed approach. The experimental and analytical results are thoroughly analyzed to show the capabilities and restrictions of the method.