Power cables for triboelectric nanogenerator networks for large-scale blue energy harvesting

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), a prospective technology for large-scale harvesting of blue energy from the ocean, have been extensively investigated recently. However, little attention has been paid to the cables linking the individual TENG units to form an energy harvesting network. Herein, several basic requirements for power cables suitable for effective TENG networks are outlined. The cables should avoid tangling among the TENG units, protect the transmission wires, and output electric power. Here, a TENG network based on plane-like power cables consisting of spring steel tapes and three polymer films is described. The steel tape inside the power cables has a dual role as both structural skeleton and an electrode. The tape guarantees the stability of the TENG network and eliminates the electrostatic induction from ions in seawater. The porous PTFE film on the outside is highly hydrophobic and generates electricity by liquid-solid interface contact while collaborating with the steel tapes. The working mechanism and output performance of the power cable were systematically studied. A maximum open-circuit voltage of 34 V and a transferred charge quantity of 25 nC were achieved using a single cable in a single period. An over-water test was also carried out to experimentally demonstrate the feasibility of the TENG networks. This work provides a possible strategy for network construction for large-scale blue energy harvesting.