Exploring the theoretical and experimental optimization of high-performance triboelectric nanogenerators using microarchitectured silk cocoon films

• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2020.104882
• Publication Date: 2020-05-11T01:50:16Z
• Authors: Bhaskar Dudem; R.D. Ishara G. Dh...; Sontyana Adonijah...; Jung Woo Leem; Harishkumarreddy ...; Anki Reddy Mule; S. Ravi P. Silva; Jae Su Yu
• Keywords: 01 natural sciences; 7. Clean energy; 0104 chemical sciences

Abstract Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) developed using eco-friendly natural materials instead of traditional electronic materials are more favorable for biocompatible applications, as well as from a sustainable life-cycle analysis perspective. Microarchitectured silkworm fibroin films with high surface roughness and an outstanding ability to lose electrons are used to design TENGs. An alcohol-annealing treatment is utilized to strengthen the resistance of the silk film (SF) against humidity and aqueous solubility. Herein, for the first time, the distance-dependent electric field theoretical model is employed to optimize the TENG parameters to achieve high output, which shows excellent agreement with the experimental outputs of SF-based TENG. The alcohol-treated microarchitectured SF (AT-MASF) with a polytetrafluoroethylene positive contact exhibits a stable and high electrical output even in harsh environments. These studies can lead us closer to the attractive future vision of realizing biodegradable TENG systems for harness/sensing various biomechanical activities even under real/humid environments. The potential and real-time application of the proposed AT-MASF-based TENG is demonstrated by directly employing its electric power to drive a number of low-power portable electronics and for sensing in human-body centric activities.