Recent development of the triboelectric properties of the polymer: A review

¹School of Advanced Materials Science and Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea

²SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea

Adv. Mater. Lett., 2018, 9 (7), pp 462-470

DOI: 10.5185/amlett.2018.1869

Publication Date (Web): Jun 14, 2018

Copyright © IAAM-VBRI Press

E-mail: kimsw1@skku.edu

Abstract

Smart sensors and network systems are commonly referred to as Internet of Things (IoT) and are being used to realize a smart society. Although the development of low-power smart systems and large-capacity batteries is increasing the usage time of IoT devices, the time-limited capability of such systems reveals a need for self-powered sensors and systems for sustained IoT use. Mechanical energy is easily accessible from the environment to power sensors and systems. The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) converts mechanical energy into electric energy was first introduced in January 2012 by Wang et al., and we describe recent developments in the triboelectric properties of the polymers because the contact electrification between the two different materials is a key factor of TENG. This review article discusses the four operating modes of TENG, the working mechanism, the theoretical modelling of the vertical TENG, and the research aspects of the material.

Keywords

Triboelectric, nanogenerator, energy harvesting, energy conversion, polymer.