An international team of engineers recently demonstrated a new style of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) that improves energy creation and lowers manufacturing costs. Triboelectrification refers to harnessing the electricity created by static charge. This clean and readily available energy source could one day unlock a greener future.
As the push to hit carbon net zero emissions on a global scale increases, a lot of attention has been put towards creating green energy alternatives. Notably, innovations in solar, wind, and geothermal power generation get most of the headlines, while other methods like triboelectrification continue to gain traction. Here’s how this tech could one day create enhanced wearables, generate renewable energy, and open the door for safer operations.
Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs)
TENGs utilize static charge generated when materials are rubbed together. When certain material surfaces come in contact with particular materials, a charge is produced. This static charge can be enhanced, enabling reliable electric generation.
Notably, the current TENGs rely on small plastic-like beads. These closely packed beads have different charges, with some being negative and others positive. When rubbed together the combination of friction, adhesion, and separation work together to create additional surface contact, allowing these generators to maximize output.
Problems with TENGs Today
There are still several unanswered questions and issues that engineers need to overcome to make TENGs a reliable alternative to other green energy solutions. For one, there is a lack of understanding surrounding charge dissipation and the best way to control it. This gap in knowledge must be bridged in order to improve the performance and reliability of TANGs moving forward.
Source – Ignaas Jimidar
Until recently, it was believed that triboelectrification required varying materials to be used in the TENG. For example, polytetrafluoroethylene and polydimethylsiloxane were proven as reliable options. However, a team of innovative researchers just disproved that belief with the introduction of their latest enhanced TENG design.
Triboelectric Nanogenerators Study
The study “Granular Interfaces in TENGs: The Role of Close-Packed Polymer Bead Monolayers for Energy Harvesters“1 seeks to shed light on the intricacies of triboelectrification charge dispersion and material uses.
Specifically, the engineers showcase a new method that supports contact electrification behavior using near-identical beads. This approach reduces manufacturing costs and allows for more customization.
To start the engineers created a granular-based TENG that integrates two electrodes that are coated in monolayers of monodisperse polymer beads. This solvent-free setup is safer and more efficient than alternatives as it eliminates harmful chemical byproducts and risks.
To achieve the solvent-free generation, scientists deposited monodisperse beads onto a planar substrate. They then created friction by rubbing the layers together. The shape of the beads created a rolling friction that increased surface tension.
Finding the Right Beads
Notably, the team discovered that using various types of beads in the process had some advantages. For one, electrification between certain grains was improved due to existing differences in size, shape, strain, surface charge densities, or surface roughness caused by humidity or environmental factors.
The engineers learned from the start that the type of beads used would impact the final results. Their research demonstrated that slight changes in material selection have a large impact on energy generation capabilities. As such, they researched various materials, sizes, and layouts.
Material
The team tested many different types of polymer materials during the process. They noted that polymer materials offer responsiveness to stimuli and provide a reliable base. Several variants of beads were arranged before settling on melamine-formaldehyde (MF) beads.
MF beads demonstrated distinct advantages during triboelectric charging. For one, they offer better charge retention and have low elasticity. Additionally, they have the highest elastic modulus or cohesion energy.
Also, they always show a positive charge when placed in contact with certain materials like PMMA beads and show the highest charging due to their relatively higher Young’s modulus. Young’s modulus is an algorithm used to measure stiffness or resistance to elastic deformation when placed under load.
Bead Size
The team also experimented with many different bead sizes. Specifically, the engineers utilized monodisperse particles with varying diameters of 0.5, 3, and 10 µm. They noted that larger beads were more likely to hold a negative charge, whereas smaller beads retained positive charges.
Monolayers
Once the bead’s material, size, and spacing were determined, the engineers created monolayers of the material. According to their report, the team utilizes solvent-free particle rubbing assembly techniques on fluorocarbon-coated substrates.
Layout
This layout was the first time that scientists had utilized discrete particles in a close-packed monolayer configuration as a TENG electrode. This approach provides the highest packing density hexagonal close-packed (HCP) configuration and offers more surface contact while still reducing the surface area, allowing for more charge exchange between them.
How Triboelectric Nanogenerators Work
To operate the triboelectric nanogenerator a rubbing motion is initiated. This action causes the blend of monolayers of monodisperse polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polystyrene (PS), and melamine resin (MF) dry powders to rub. This action creates triboelectrification between the beads and substrates.
Triboelectric Nanogenerators Test
The engineers conducted several tests to prove the efficiency of their new generator. Part of the testing process included contact-separation (CS) experiments. Specifically, the engineers utilize a Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) and an atomic force microscope (AFM) to monitor surface adhesion, electrification phenomenon, and elastic deformations.
Triboelectric Nanogenerators Results
The test results showed lots of promise for this technology. Specifically, the team demonstrated a new level of customization capabilities including control over surface topography, geometry, contact size, and homogeneity.
They discovered that a specific pair’s surface charge density can be boosted by covering the electrodes with the smaller bead with the highest Young’s modulus. From their the team checked longevity up to 10,000 cycles.
The generator functioned as expected producing clean energy with minimal performance degradation. As such, it’s seen by many as one of the best options in the war on climate change.
Triboelectric Nanogenerators Benefits
There are several benefits that make Triboelectric Nanogenerators a smart choice. For one, they provide a cost-effective and greener option that can produce electricity on-site. This latest method of TENG manufacturing promises to reduce costs even further.
Longevity
Another benefit of the new TANG layout is the ability to restore it to its original state by rubbing a particular powder on its surface. This capability means that Triboelectric Nanogenerators can outlast their competitors and offer lower maintenance costs across the board.
Fabricating
The design supports low-cost and sustainable TENG manufacturing without the use of solvents. This approach is faster and cleaner. Additionally, it creates less pollution, and the end product is customizable. Engineers can even create monolayers, which can then be incorporated into new styles of textile structures.
Triboelectric Nanogenerators Real-World Applications & Timeline:
Triboelectric Nanogenerators could upend several industries. For one, the ability to create self-powered electronics is a game changer. It reduces the reliance on traditional energy sources like batteries and provides a cleaner alternative that can be created to fit the smaller form factors. According to engineers, commercial applications may emerge within the next 3 to 5 years as the technology matures.
Energy Harvesting
One of the premier uses of this technology is energy harvesting. This technology could be integrated into homes or electronics, eliminating the need for charging. Imagine all of your electronics functioning without batteries, outlets, or outside power sources. This approach could improve adoption and usher in a new age of tech.
Triboelectric nanogenerators could be applied as a surface to other green energy solutions and enhance results. For example, imagine a windmill that also generates electricity due to the static electricity between the blades and the air as it spins. The same tech could also help produce energy as the motor rotates.
Smart Clothing
There has been a lot of talk of utilizing this technology to create smart clothing. Think of a coat that can heat itself up from the power generated when you wear it. Or imagine being able to connect your smartphone to your shoe’s charging port. All of this and more is possible by utilizing Triboelectric Nanogenerators.
When discussing everyday clothing, this is a bonus. However, when you take the stakes up a notch and discuss exploration, the prospect of self-energizing smart clothes is a huge benefit. It could help ensure comfort and prevent needless injuries. Additionally, it could help guarantee that there are always appropriate safety measures in place.
EVs
Electric vehicles could get a major boost in performance through the integration of these devices. Since triboelectric generators produce energy with zero emissions on site via static electricity, they offer a more reliable and less complex alternative to the endless wiring harness found in today’s vehicles. In the future, these units won’t need power from the central battery as they will more than likely have their power source built in.
Triboelectric Nanogenerators Researchers
Researchers from the Department of Chemical Engineering at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Riga Technical University, the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, and the MESA+ Institute at the University of Twente were led by Dr. Ignaas Jimidar of VUB all did their part to bring the study to life.
Now, the team seeks to improve efficiency and manufacturing to enable large-scale applications. Their goal is to continue research into various materials and shapes. From there, they want to create strategic partnerships to integrate this technology into real-world products.
Innovative Company Leading the Charge
As advancements in self-powered electronics and alternative energy solutions continue, companies at the forefront of wireless energy transmission are also making significant strides. While triboelectric nanogenerators offer a promising avenue for sustainable power generation, other firms are innovating in wireless charging technologies, pushing the boundaries of how we harness and distribute energy.
There is a race to create clean energy and get it to the masses. Firms continue to invest in green and renewable energy solutions that could one day help prevent further climate damage.
The prospect of new possibilities for triboelectric nanogenerators in everyday life opens the door for a brighter future. Here’s one company that continues to create new and exciting ways to eliminate reliance on traditional energy sources.
Energous Corporation (WATT -2.12%) entered the market in 2012 as DvineWave Inc. The firm is located in San Jose, California ,and was created to provide wireless charging solutions and infrastructure to the market. Today, it is recognized as one of the leading innovators in the green energy sector.
Energous Corp has several products that have helped it gain recognition in the market. Its WattUp wireless power technology is the most popular option, offering reliable charging. The company also provides wireless power network technology (WPNT), like software controls, hardware designs, antennas, and semiconductor chipsets.
Energous Corporation (WATT -2.12%)
Notably, Energeous holds +200 patents in the wireless tech industry. Additionally, it was the first firm to secure FCC Part 18 certification for at-a-distance wireless charging. All of these factors, combined with Energeous’ proven track record, make WATT a smart stock to research further.
Latest on Energous Corporation
Triboelectric Nanogenerators – Never Buy Batteries Again
The prospect of generating energy through advanced static electricity is one that has analysts and engineers excited. The introduction of high-performance tech like self-powered wearables is sure to provide more monitoring and communication capabilities to the world. As such, these engineers deserve praise for their efforts.
Learn about other nanotech here.
Studies Referenced:
1. Jimidar, I., Umanzor, L. E., Ibáñez, J. G., Srivastava, P., Geng, Z., Ruzmetov, D., … & D’Haen, J. (2024). Granular interfaces in TENGs: The role of close‐packed polymer bead monolayers for energy harvesters. Small, 20(10), 24010155. https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202410155