A constant current triboelectric nanogenerator achieved by hysteretic and ordered charge migration in dielectric polymers

Abstract

Constructing triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) with a stable and continuous (SC) output ability is an important way to achieve high environmental energy collection efficiency, while the existing SC-TENGs mainly rely on the direct current output characteristics achieved by the designed structural units. Herein, a new concept named SC-TENGs, which utilize the hysteretic and ordered charge migration behavior of dielectric polymers, is proposed for the first time. The weak charge constraint ability of dielectric polymers and their high surface tribo-potential create basic conditions for the charge directional movement, which is proven to be a delayed and uniform process, thereby generating a SC output in the external circuit. Moreover, the strong spontaneity of this charge migration behavior enables the proposed SC-TENG to exhibit excellent output performance, achieving a record-high output root mean square power of 9.4 W m⁻² Hz⁻¹ in SC-TENGs. Besides, this charge migration also conceptually shortens the effective thickness of the thick dielectric layer, making it possible to have both high wear resistance and high output performance. This work presents a new concept for further development of various SC-TENGs and provides profound insights into the charge migration behavior of dielectric polymers.