Development of triboelectric nanogenerator and mechanical energy harvesting using argon ion-implanted kapton, zinc oxide and kapton

The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is a widely used energy-harvesting unit for self-power applications. The electrical output performance of the TENG could be significantly improved by ion implantation and explore new triboelectric materials beyond the conventional triboelectric series. In this present work, the phase pure hydrothermally synthesized ZnO particles, argon ion-implanted Kapton acted as a positive triboelectric layer while pure Kapton behaved as a negative triboelectric layer. The atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) were performed to investigate the surface roughness and surface potential of the triboelectric materials utilized in vertical contact mode TENG (I-TENG, abbreviated further). The elemental mapping and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results suggested successful Argon-ion implantation upon Kapton. Finally, the I-TENG device was subjected to various forces to systematically depict its electrical output responses and power up a wrist-watch and calculator.

Automated summary

This study focused on improving the electrical output performance of TENG through argon-ion implantation and using phase pure hydrothermally synthesized ZnO particles and argon-ion-implanted Kapton as positive triboelectric layers, with pure Kapton as the negative triboelectric layer. The surface properties of the triboelectric materials were investigated using AFM and KPFM, while elemental mapping and XPS confirmed successful Argon-ion implantation. The I-TENG device demonstrated promising electrical output responses and successfully powered a wristwatch and calculator.