Bipolar charge transfer induced by water: experimental and first-principles studies

Abstract

The mechanism underlying bipolar charge distribution in the context of triboelectrification remains ambiguous. Furthermore, water can either promote or inhibit triboelectrification. It was determined through experimental and first-principles calculations that water can also reverse the polarity of transferred charges and cause a bipolar charge transfer. We examined triboelectrification between an Au/Cr-coated tip and stoichiometric Si₃N₂ film using Kelvin probe force microscopy. In addition, we investigated the generation of a bipolar charge distribution on the insulating Si₃N₂ surface by controlling the frictional conditions. With regard to the effect of a water meniscus in the interface between the surface and tip, we predicted the dissociation of water molecules on the Si₃N₂ surface and polarity reversing induced by water via first principles. Finally, we focused on the effect of water on the dangling bonds of Si atoms and surface states of Si₃N₂. The results indicated that the dangling bonds and surface states are essential to a bipolar charge transfer.