An investigation into the influence of tribological parameters on the operation of sliding triboelectric nanogenerators

• Published in: Tribology international Vol. 155; p. 106778
• Main Authors: Armitage, J.L., Ghanbarzadeh, A., Wang, C., Neville, A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2021; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Charge materials; Charge transfer; Contact electrification; Electrification; Mechanical properties; Nanogenerators; Surface topography; Triboelectric effect; Triboelectric nanogenerator; Tribology; Triboelectric nanogenerator; Surface topography; Contact electrification; Tribology
• ISSN: 0301-679X; 1879-2464
• DOI: 10.1016/j.triboint.2020.106778

The triboelectric effect - also known as contact electrification - has long been described as the phenomenon of electronic charge transfer between material surfaces arising purely as a result of mechanical contact. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are a series of devices that couple contact electrification and electrostatic induction for applications in various power solutions. The tribological properties of these devices have often been overlooked. Through the development of a novel test apparatus, a clear difference can be distinguished in output current and contact charge accumulation as different insulating and conductive materials are used. A relationship between the rms slope (Rdq) of contacting surfaces and their respective charging rates via triboelectrification is also demonstrated. •A macroscale freestanding layer triboelectric nanogenerator (F-TENG) is replicated in a novel test apparatus.•Electric charge accumulates within F-TENG contacts in an exponential fashion, similar to a linear capacitor.•Maximum saturation charge density and rate of accumulation within an F-TENG contact is dependent on surface composition.•Saturation charge within an F-TENG contact correlates negatively with the rms slope of the contacting surface topographies.