Triboelectric nanogenerators enhanced by a metal–organic framework for sustainable power generation and air mouse technology

Abstract

Enhancing the output performance of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) can be effectively achieved by designing materials as active fillers into the polymer with high triboelectric properties. Recently, exploration of metal–organic framework (MOF) based TENGs has attracted attention due to their triboelectrification properties and charge trapping ability. Here in this work, we have synthesized a Cd-MOF, which acts as a filler, prepared by employing 2-aminoterephthalic acid (2-ATA) and conjugated nitrogen-containing 4,4′-azopyridine (AzPy) ligands which help to improve the output performance of the TENG device. The new Cd-MOF was characterized by microscopic analysis and authenticated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) studies. Furthermore, the MOF was incorporated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to construct MOF/PDMS film and utilized for the TENG study. The trapping ability was analyzed through KPFM studies. The MOF-TENG generated a maximum output power density of 0.124 W m⁻². The MOF-TENG device was attached to the fingers of a glove and used to control the mouse movement in a computer via finger movements. This strategy provides a new avenue for the preparation of new generation fillers for more active electrification and trapping.