A Direct-Current Triboelectric Nanogenerator Energy Harvesting System Based on Water Electrification for Self-Powered Electronics

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a simple but effective mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion for harvesting hydrokinetic energy based on triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) technology. Here, a direct-current fluid-flow-based TENG is reported as a potential solution to solve the inconvenience of directly powering electronic devices where direct-current (DC) power is required. The falling of a water droplet (about 1.06 mL) from an elastomeric pipe can generate an open-circuit voltage of ~35 V, short-circuit current of 3.7 µA, and peak power of 57.6 µW by passing through a separated electrode. Notably, the electrical responses have the distinct characteristics of pulsed direct current. The ability to generate DC outputs enables the TENG to directly drive electronic devices. Our experimental results prove that this TENG can act as a power source to directly light up 50 light-emitting diodes without requiring a rectifier, and, also, the produced electric energy was demonstrated that can be stored directly in a capacitor to power commercial temperature and humidity IoT sensors. Furthermore, the device shows a greatly varied output voltage based on the droplet flow rate, with a linearity R2 = 0.998. This work highlights a promising potential for applications in harvesting hydrokinetic energy and self-powered sensors and systems.