Catechin-induced cellulose: a new material for harvesting triboelectricity

The desire to meet energy demands drives us to develop environment-friendly, renewable, and sustainable energy sources. In this study, a catechin (tea dye)-adsorbed cellulose paper-based triboelectric nanogenerator (TAC-TENG) is suggested as an alternative solution. The material employed is tea dust extract incorporated cellulose paper, which are inexpensive, readily available, and eco-friendly. Triboelectric nanogenerator is an electrical energy-harvesting technology, capable of harvesting any kind of low-frequency mechanical energy as an energy source for powering small electronic devices. The proposed TAC-TENG could directly power up 12 white LEDs and store up to 2.08 μJ with a 1 μF capacitor in 80 s. A better performance was displayed by the tea dye-adsorbed cellulose paper than the pristine one. Thus, the proposed TENG could become more relevant and may have a vivid impact in the nearest future. The proposed TAC-TENG could be employed in self-powered portable and wearable small electronic devices.