Performance enhancement of triboelectric nanogenerators and exploration of tactile sensing using an electrospun PAN–MWCNT layer through interface manipulation

Abstract

Triboelectricity, being ubiquitous, holds promise as an energy source for achieving net zero emissions and self-powered wearables. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers, as a dominant material in the textile industry, are a key candidate for such applications. By infusing multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into PAN fibers, the system's longevity is notably enhanced. This study systematically investigates triboelectrification using various configurations of layered electrospun pristine PAN and MWCNT-infused PAN composite (PMC) nanofibers for high-performance triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). Among all the configurations (i.e. mono-, bi-, and trilayer), a specific bilayer stacking exhibits a high power density of 48 mW m⁻², a current density of 300 mA m⁻², and an output voltage of 24 V from a 20 mm × 20 mm surface area. This configuration shows a three-fold increase in the output current (I_sc) because of significant reduction in internal impedance. Infusing 0.05 wt% MWCNTs into PAN nanofibers notably improves charge transport capabilities, as reflected by Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) studies. Finite element analysis (FEA) using COMSOL validates the findings and helps to identify the best layer that produces maximum power. Finally, we demonstrate that the device fabricated through these TENG architectures using the PAN–MWCNT composite can serve as a self-powered wearable sensor exhibiting potential applications in gesture-based activities.