A robust antagonistically assembled triboelectric nanogenerator based on dead‐end closed pore through a one‐step improved phase separation

Abstract

AbstractThe ongoing global energy crisis presents a significant challenge all over the world. In this study, triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) made of recyclable thermoplastic polycarbonate has been proposed as a promising environmentally friendly solution due to its potential capability to convert low‐frequency mechanical energy sources such as human motion and ocean waves into electricity with potential applications including powering wearable electronic devices and self‐powered sensors. We introduce an antagonistically structured TENG (A‐TENG) composed of honeycomb porous polycarbonate (hc‐PC) and convex‐patterned dimethylsiloxane, employing a novel one‐stage improved phase separation method. This A‐TENG overcomes the demerits of others thanks to its high surface contact area, simplified fabrication process, enhanced energy conversion efficiency, and cost‐effectiveness, requiring minimal investment. More importantly, this work utilized hc‐PC as a framework for slippery liquid‐infused porous surface (SLIPS) based TENG owing to the special honeycomb porous structure to impregnate silicon oil within pore arrays and mechanically support the whole system. The practical application of SLIPS‐TENG was demonstrated while deployed on the house rooftop to harvest raindrop energy and act as a rain detection sensor.