High durable bio-inspired self-cleaning solid-liquid contact triboelectric nanogenerator for water wave energy harvesting

Xue Jiao Zhao, Guang Zhu, Zhi Hao Zhao, Zhong Lin Wang, Jie Wang

Research output: Journal PublicationArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Despite many advances have been made, challenges for the solid-liquid contact triboelectric nanogenerators (S-L TENGs) harvesting water wave energy, such as low average power density, poor long-term stability, and insufficient flexibility, are still need to overcome. A bio-inspired self-cleaning solid-liquid contact triboelectric nanogenerator (BSC-TENG) is proposed as a highly adaptive mean of water wave energy harvester. Benefiting from the surface superhydrophobic micro-nano structure, a high stable net surface charge density is obtained, which significantly enhances the output performance and stability of the BSC-TENG. Under salt water waves, the flexible BSC-TENG exhibits desirable output performance with the stable output current of 24.8 µA, output voltage of 1380 V, and average power density of 306 W m−3. Furthermore, after energy storage, the BSC-TENG is demonstrated to successfully power wireless sensors for meteorological monitoring of temperature, humidity, sunshine and other environmental parameters for harvesting salt water wave energy. The self-cleaning ability of the BSC-TENG makes it suitable for long-term stability in complex water environments, which significantly extends the service life of the TENGs and promises practical applications in real circumstances.

Original languageEnglish
Article number110971
JournalNano Energy
Volume139
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Jun 2025

Keywords

  • Hierarchical micro-nano structure
  • Low-adhesive
  • Self-cleaning
  • Solid-liquid interface
  • Triboelectric nanogenerator
  • Water wave energy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • General Materials Science
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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