(Invited) finding New Materials for Triboelectric Device Applications

• Published in: Meeting abstracts (Electrochemical Society) Vol. MA2025-01; no. 37; p. 1792
• Main Author: Lee, Minbaek
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: The Electrochemical Society, Inc 11.07.2025
• ISSN: 2151-2043; 2151-2035
• DOI: 10.1149/MA2025-01371792mtgabs

The development of high-performance triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) has traditionally relied on fluoropolymers due to their highly negative chargeable properties. However, their potential release of poly- and per-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) during their lifecycle raises significant environmental and health concerns, emphasizing the need for sustainable alternatives. In this study, we present a novel sulfur-rich polymer (SRP)/MXene composite as a next-generation material for TENG applications. This composite not only addresses the environmental challenges posed by fluoropolymers but also achieves superior performance metrics. Sulfur, a byproduct of petroleum refining, serves as a key component in the composite due to its high electron affinity (−200 kJ mol⁻¹), enabling efficient charge trapping and transfer. By incorporating a MXene-segregated structure, the SRP/MXene composite achieves a homogeneous distribution of MXene particles without electrical percolation, requiring less than 0.5 wt% MXene. This optimized structure significantly enhances the dielectric constant while minimizing dielectric loss. Compared to traditional SRP-based TENGs, the composite demonstrates a 2.9-fold increase in peak voltage and a 19.5-fold improvement in peak current, establishing a new benchmark for SRP-based materials. The composite also showcases excellent durability and reusability, thanks to dynamically exchangeable disulfide bonds that maintain mechanical integrity and performance over multiple cycles. Moreover, after corona discharging and scaling up to a 4-inch wafer size, the SRP/MXene composite achieves an 8.4-fold increase in peak power density, reaching 3.80 W m⁻². This scalability highlights its practical applicability in real-world energy harvesting systems. Our findings underscore the potential of SRP/MXene composites to revolutionize TENG applications by combining sustainability, high performance, and scalability. This material offers a promising pathway to develop environmentally friendly and efficient energy harvesting technologies, addressing the pressing need for sustainable solutions in triboelectric energy generation.