Enhancing the Performance of Triboelectric Generator: A Novel Approach Using Solid–Liquid Interface-Treated Foam and Metal Contacts

This work introduces a novel approach for enhancing the performance of a triboelectric generator (TEG) by using a solid–liquid interface-treated foam (SLITF) as its active layer, combined with two metal contacts of different work functions. SLITF is made by absorbing water into a cellulose foam, which enables charges generated by friction energy during the sliding motion to be separated and transferred through the conductive path formed by the hydrogen-bonded network of water molecules. Unlike traditional TEGs, the SLITF-TEG demonstrates an impressive current density of 3.57 A/m2 and can harvest electric power up to 0.174 W/m2 with an induced voltage of approximately 0.55 V. The device generates a direct current in the external circuit, eliminating the limitations of low current density and alternating current found in traditional TEGs. By connecting six-unit cells of SLITF-TEG in series and parallel, the peak voltage and current can be increased up to 3.2 V and 12.5 mA, respectively. Furthermore, the SLITF-TEG has the potential to serve as a self-powered vibration sensor with high accuracy (R2 = 0.99). The findings demonstrate the significant potential of the SLITF-TEG approach for efficiently harvesting low-frequency mechanical energy from the natural environment, with broad implications for a range of applications.