Metallic glass-based triboelectric nanogenerators

Surface wear is a major hindrance in the solid/solid interface of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG), severely affecting their output performance and stability. To reduce the mechanical input and surface wear, solid/liquid-interface alternatives have been investigated; however, charge generation capability is still lower than that in previously reported solid/solid-interface TENGs. Thus, achieving triboelectric interface with high surface charge generation capability and low surface wear remains a technological challenge. Here, we employ metallic glass as one triboelectric interface and show it can enhance the triboelectrification efficiency by up to 339.2%, with improved output performance. Through mechanical and electrical characterizations, we show that metallic glass presents a lower friction coefficient and better wear resistance, as compared with copper. Attributed to their low atomic density and the absence of grain boundaries, all samples show a higher triboelectrification efficiency than copper. Additionally, the devices demonstrate excellent humidity resistance. Under different gas pressures, we also show that metallic glass-based triboelectric nanogenerators can approach the theoretical limit of charge generation, exceeding that of Cu-based TENG by 35.2%. A peak power density of 15MW center dot m(-2) is achieved. In short, this work demonstrates a humidity- and wear-resistant metallic glass-based TENG with high triboelectrification efficiency.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the use of metallic glass as a triboelectric interface to enhance the efficiency of charge generation in triboelectric nanogenerators. Metallic glass exhibits lower friction coefficient and better wear resistance compared to copper, resulting in improved output performance. The metallic glass-based triboelectric nanogenerators also show excellent humidity resistance and can approach the theoretical limit of charge generation, surpassing copper-based TENGs by 35.2%.