Facile and Robust High-Performance Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on Electronic Waste for Self-Powered Electronics

The widespread adoption of electronic devices has led to a dramatic increase in electronic waste (e-waste), posing significant environmental, human health, economic, and data security concerns while also exacerbating landfill waste. Effective e-waste management strategies are crucial for maintaining a sustainable planet. This article explores the upcycling of e-waste using triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) technology for electricity generation. Specifically, with straightforward procedures, the organic photoconductor (OPC) drum from printer cartridge waste is modified and incorporated as the positive triboelectric layer in the present TENG design. The fabricated OPC-TENG, featuring the OPC drum sheet and fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) pair, exhibits promising performance metrics: an open-circuit voltage of ≈492 V, a short-circuit current of 138 μA, and a power density of 4.6 W m⁻². Moreover, its capability to continuously operate digital watch and calculator with an integrated energy management circuit is demonstrated. The simplicity of the fabrication process, coupled with the significant energy output of the device, underscores its potential for self-powered applications. These findings highlight a pathway towards harnessing e-waste for sustainable energy production and revolutionizing e-waste management, contributing to a greener and more energy-efficient future.