PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF FREE-STANDING TRIBOELECTRIC GENERATOR (F-S TEG) USING DIFFERENT ELECTRODES AND TRIBOELECTRIC LAYERS

Triboelectric Generators (TEGs) and Nano-generators represent promising alternatives in the realm of energy gathering technologies. TEGs have the ability of energy conversion from diverse sources such as human motion, water flow, and wind waves into electrical energy by leveraging the triboelectric effect. The functionality of TEGs/TENGs relies on the synergy of triboelectric charges and electrostatic induction, allowing them to generate both output voltage and current. These innovative devices have garnered substantial attention due to their potential applications in wearable electronics, self-powered sensors, and portable devices. TEGs/TENGs boast several advantages over traditional energy harvesting technologies, including high efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility. Ongoing research in this field is dedicated to enhancing their performance, reliability, and scalability, with the goal of seamless integration into various applications. The present study delves into the impact of triboelectric layer materials and electrode materials on the performance of free-standing triboelectric generators under different conditions. The investigation involved three types of electrode layers (Aluminium, copper, and graphite) paired with four types of triboelectric layers (PP, PVC, PTFE, and Kapton) to assess the efficacy of the proposed Free-Standing TEGs (F-S TEGs). The findings reveal that the use of aluminium or graphite electrodes can significantly enhance the triboelectric performance of free-standing triboelectric generators comprising Kapton, PTFE, PP, or PVC triboelectric layers.