Dual-Surface-Modified Triboelectric Nanogenerator with Polymer Microcone Array and Its Application to Impact Visual and Voice Warning

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Energy Harvesting

Background:

• Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) is a key material in triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs).
• Surface topography and material interactions critically influence TENG performance.
• Optimizing PDMS surface structures can enhance energy generation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a cost-effective method for improving TENG performance.
• To investigate the effect of microcone structure heights on TENG output.
• To demonstrate the application of the enhanced TENG in a safety monitoring system.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of dual-surface-modified TENGs using laser-engraved molds.
• Cold imprinting of microwave-structured aluminum (MW-Al) and microcone-structured PDMS (MC-PDMS).
• Systematic variation of MC-PDMS microcone heights (0–228 μm) to study their impact on TENG performance.

Main Results:

• TENG performance significantly increased with microcone heights up to 228 μm.
• The MW-MC228-TENG achieved an open-circuit voltage of 157 V and short-circuit current of 78.5 µA.
• A power density of 16.4 W/m² was achieved, sufficient for powering 198 LEDs.

Conclusions:

• The proposed MC-PDMS and MW-Al modification strategy effectively enhances TENG performance.
• The optimized TENG shows significant potential for practical applications, including intelligent home safety.
• The TENG was successfully integrated into an impact warning system, demonstrating its sensing capabilities.