Output Enhancement of a 3D‐Printed Triboelectric Nanogenerator Using Laser Surface 3D Patterning

Abstract

This study investigates the performance of contact separation and sliding modes of triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs) using COMSOL Multiphysics simulation environment. The output performance of a plain surface TENG is  compared with square, rectangular, and pyramid‐patterned TENGs. The pyramid pattern emerges as the most efficient geometry, demonstrating a solid output of 95.8 V (Voc) and 0.99 μA (Isc). Advanced 3D printing techniques (3DP) including powder‐based multijet fusion and resin‐based polyjet fusion are utilized to print polyamide 12 (PA12) and VeroClear, respectively. The laser surface patterning technique is used to make precise micropatterns on the surfaces of the VeroClear and PA12 layers, resulting in a consistent and effective surface morphology that enhances the surface area of triboelectric layers, and outperforms traditional approaches of patterning in consistency and efficacy. The validation of simulation results is made where the pyramid pattern is emerged as the most efficient geometry experimentally. Performance is maintained with minimal degradation after 102 cycles, and a 22 μF–63 V capacitor is successfully used to store the generated charge. This study not only sets the path for pre‐experimental analysis using simulation environment but also provides a clear demonstration of advanced manufacturing techniques for printing and patterning 3D‐printed triboelectric materials.