High-output tubular triboelectric nanogenerator for wave energy collection and its application in self-powered anti-corrosion applications

Abstract

Solid-liquid triboelectric nanogenerators (S-L TENGs) are extensively researched for their capability to harvest mechanical energy from natural sources. Nevertheless, the interface of wave impact in solid-liquid based on friction electrification and electrostatic induction exhibits a slow separation speed, resulting in low output current and voltage. This limitation hinders its ability to satisfy real-world electricity demands. This study introduces a wave-driven closed polytetrafluoroethylene tube TENG (PT-TENG) and enhances the conventional tank car model by applying the principle of interface charge transfer. The improvements enable the output current and voltage to reach 900 µA and 150 V, respectively, with a power output of 17.74 mW. This represents a thirteenfold increase over the traditional model's performance, effectively capturing the kinetic energy of water flow. The mechanism and influencing factors of PT-TENG are analyzed, including the effect of external conditions on the movement state of water flow within the device, to enhance PT-TENG's output. This novel S-L TENG efficiently gathers low-frequency energy, offering a straightforward manufacturing process and elevated output. It enhances charge transfer at the solid-liquid interface and offers a new strategy for harvesting ocean wave energy.