Efficient Output and Stability Triboelectric Materials Enabled by High Deep Trap Density

Nano Lett. 2024 Dec 23. doi: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c05154. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

With the increasing global focus on sustainable materials, paper is favored for its biodegradability and low cost. Their integration with triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) establishes broad prospects for self-powered, paper-based triboelectric materials. However, these materials inherently lack efficient charge storage structures, leading to rapid charge dissipation. This study introduced a paper-based triboelectric material with efficient charge storage using deep traps assembled by a hydrogen bonds strategy. Compared to pure paper, the material increased the deep trap density by ∼54 times, with an ∼10 times higher dielectric constant at high frequency. TENG based on the material had a peak output power density ∼45 times higher than paper-based TENG and maintained a stable voltage after 20,000 cycles. It also shows exceptional environmental stability and practicality with minimal voltage reduction in heat environments. This offers a practical and effective solution for powering and sustaining small electronic devices under extreme conditions.

Keywords: Deep Trap; Energy Harvesting; Stability; Sustainable Triboelectric Material; Tribocharge Storage.