Fabrication of biodegradable triboelectric nanogenerator by laser-induced graphitization of lignin/PLLA composite sheets

We demonstrate the direct fabrication of graphitic carbon on a biodegradable polymer composite by laser-induced graphitization and applied the structures for the electrode of metal-free biodegradable triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). The laser-induced graphitization of fully biodegradable composite sheets composed of alkaline lignin powder and poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) was realized. The fabricated TENGs generated electricity by contact with synthetic polymers and natural materials such as water and plant leaves, indicating their applicability for on-site power generation in the natural environment. The proposed method provides the facile fabrication of biodegradable devices and the development of sustainable power generation.