To meet the ever-increasing energy requirements worldwide, the need for emission-free energy sources is growing. Since the invention of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) in 2012, they have become one of the most significant advancements in energy harvesting technologies. Based on the relationship between electrostatic and triboelectric effects, TENGs can harvest mechanical energy and convert it into electricity.

We aim to design a high-performance triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) using advanced anionic materials by combining polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and graphene oxide. This project highlights the use of graphene oxide which is synthesized from graphite in spent batteries by a cathodic fast plasma solution method. Modifying PDMS by GO from recycled materials, the GO/PDMS-based TENG device is not only highly efficient and reliable but also environmentally friendly. This TENG could be used to power LEDs, charge multiple commercial capacitors, and drive electronic devices. Furthermore, this TENG can be connected to various body parts, clothes, and insoles to harvest mechanical energy from vigorous motions like walking, running, and jumping.

This study will occur in two phases: (1) fabrication of materials and the TENG device, (2) pilot deployment.

The scope of this project aims to design a high-performance TENG using long-term stable anionic materials, where the charge density and stability of the triboelectric materials are paramount. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is recognized as a good negative friction layer for triboelectric systems.1 However, its viscoelastic behavior results in a time delay in voltage contact and separation, leading to a comparatively lower output voltage than its theoretical potential.2 To enhance the output of PDMS-based TENGs, the structure of the PDMS layer has been modified with nanoadditives.3,4 Graphene oxide (GO), with its abundant oxygen-containing functional groups, serves as an additive to improve output voltage. 5 Thus, the GO/PDMS composite emerges as a promising negative triboelectric material due to its high flexibility, highly negative charge, and structural resilience.

GO is synthesized by using graphite, leading to reduce waste and prevent the release of waste materials into the environment.

Membrane-based TENG is designed to harness energy from artificial sources such as walking, running, tapping, and similar motions