Dielectric liquid-based self-operating switch triboelectric nanogenerator for current amplification via regulating air breakdown

Abstract Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) can harvest mechanical energy by using the displacement current generated by a time-variant electric field. Owing to the simple fabrication, low cost, and the suitability of a wide range of materials for such devices, TENGs can be used as a power source for self-powered systems and existing portable electronics. Nevertheless, the generation mechanism of TENGs must be optimized to overcome the current limitations caused by the air breakdown on triboelectric materials. Therefore, a dielectric liquid-based self-operating switch triboelectric nanogenerator (DLSS–TENG) was created, which can control the field emission on the electrode surface through the movement of the dielectric liquid. The movement of the dielectric material plate regulates the air breakdown by acting as a self-operating switch, which can enhance the current output of the TENG. Because dielectric liquids exhibit a large Debye length, which screens the electrostatic charge, they can be used to generate a distinctively high electrical output. The DLSS–TENG can charge a commercial capacitor by generating a closed-circuit current of up to 56 mA and open-circuit voltage of 100 V for a 0.5 Hz low-frequency mechanical input. The generation mechanism of the proposed DLSS–TENG can overcome the current electrical limitation by regulating the air breakdown.