Session: Research Posters

Paper Number: 166298

Energy Harvesting Based on Aluminum-Ecoflex 00-30/zntio3 /Mwcnt Triboelectric Nanogenerator 

The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is a device that converts mechanical energy into electricity using triboelectrification and electrostatic induction. TENGs use two different types of polymers, i.e., positive and negative triboelectric polymers. When these two polymers make physical contact, electrons transfer from the lower electron affinity to higher electron affinity tribolayer. Positive charges accumulate on the opposite side of the negative triboelectric layer, while negative charges accumulate on the opposite side of the positive layer. This accumulation of opposite charges creates a high potential difference between the triboelectric layers when they separate. To compensate for the triboelectric charges and maintain electrical equilibrium, electrons flow through an external circuit, generating electricity. TENG collects energy based on contact electrification at diverse interfaces, including solid-solid, liquid-solid, gas-solid, and gas-liquid. The charge transfer mechanism between interfaces can be explained by electron cloud potential model and electron double model. TENG harvests energy from sources such as human motion (stepping, running, elbow bending, and stretching), water, wind, and sound.

In this work, a tribo-pair, Aluminum foil as positive layer and ecoflex 00-30 as negative layer will be selected for the TENG fabrication. Aluminum foil has higher electron affinity and durability. In contrast, ecoflex 00-30 is a highly stretchable, flexible, and biocompatible polymer. Our fabricated TENG shows the maximum open-circuit voltage of 25 V and short-circuit current of 5 micro ampere using pristine ecoflex 00-30 and Al foil. Various wt.% of ZnTiO₃ prepared by solid-state synthesis method, and MWCNT conductive nanofillers will be added to increase the charges in the ecoflex 00-30 polymer. Adding nanofillers and dielectric materials to the tribo-layers will solve one of the key issues of charge retention in tribo-layers as well as enhance the output performance. The fabricated TENG will be tested for output performance for various loads/pressures. The effect of temperature and humidity on the TENG’s output will also be investigated. The generated electricity will be used to power up small electronic devices such LED bulbs, watches, and calculators.

For practical applications, TENGs must withstand environmental factors and have mechanical robustness after thousnads of contact-separations cyclic loading without compromising their performances. To address these challenges, several steps should be taken into consideration including selecting triboelectric pairs having higher electron affinity difference, physical and chemical modifications, adding nanofiller and dielectric materials, and structural changes of TENGs. In conclusion, the successful fabrication and optimization of TENG devices will enhance their performance, durability, and environmental stability, paving the way for efficient mechanical energy harvesting in practical applications.

Presenting Author: M. Jasim Uddin SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Presenting Author Biography: Wolfspeed Endowed Chair

Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Editor, Nature Sci. Report.

College of Engineering | SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Albany, NY
Distinguished Professor-IME |  FAMU-FSU College of Engineering

Authors:

Md Arafat Hossain The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Md. Wasikur Rahman The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Victoria Padilla The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
M. Jasim Uddin SUNY Polytechnic Institute