Metal coordination bond and rough interface enhanced triboelectric nanogenerator aiming for multiple complex conditions

Abstract

Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is widely used in the fields of sustainable green energy harvesting, self-powered motion parameter and tactile sensing, However, it still fails to meet the requirements under various complex conditions, such as low temperatures, self healing after destruction, punching, long-term placement, soaking in acid or alkali solution, scorch, continuous work. Herein, based on metal coordination, Zr⁴⁺ ions are introduced to enhance the first network k-carrageenan (k-CG) for achieving double enhancement in mechanics and electricity of the gel electrode layer, poly (N-hydroxyl acrylamide)/k-CG (PKZ) double network organic conductive gel enhanced by multiple hydrogen bonds and metal coordination bond is designed, and the gel exhibits high tensile strength, high conductivity, fast self-recovery, excellent self-repairing and low-temperature resistance. Based on simple sandpaper templates with different mesh numbers Ecoflex film with rough surfaces is designed for efficient triboelectric contact interface, and TENG with PKZ double network organic conductive gel as electrode layer is constructed, and possesses excellent resistant to multiple complex conditions. With high short-circuit current, open-circuit voltage and output power, the TENG is capable of powering electronic devices, and it can also be sensitive and stable sensing in writing recognition, real-time monitoring of motion parameters involving acceleration, speed and distance. The TENG is stable and reliable for sustainable green energy harvesting, motion parameter and tactile sensing in multiple complex environments. Thus, we provide novel ideas for designing energy harvesting and sensing for future wearable electronics under multiple complex conditions.