An organic semiconductor/metal Schottky heterojunction based direct current triboelectric nanogenerator windmill for wind energy harvesting

In this work, we design and fabricate a miniature direct current (DC) windmill generator based on dynamic semiconductor/metal Schottky triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), demonstrating a novel way for DC electrical power generation by harvesting wind energy. The semiconducting Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly (styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) film and metallic Al foil are designed as the positive-negative friction pair in the DC-TENG, and the softness as well as workability of the friction materials provides excellent flexibility for the design and tailor of a windmill DC-TENG. We systematically studied the effect factors on the output performance of the device, including wind speed, external load, and dimensions of the friction layers. Our device achieves an optimal output performance with a maximum open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.6 V and a maximum short-circuit current (Isc) of 3.6 mu A at the wind speed of 7 m/s for the friction layer area at 2.5 cm2. To improve the wear resistance of the devices, we introduce a few lubricating materials at the PEDOT:PSS /Al interface and Polyalphaolefin 4 (PAO 4) can improve both the abrasiveness as well as the Voc and Isc. Our work presents a possible strategy for fabricating miniature windmill DC-TENG and provides a potential supplemental for the traditional electrical magnet windmill with heavy equipment.

Automated summary

In this study, a miniature windmill generator based on dynamic semiconductor/metal Schottky triboelectric nanogenerators was designed and fabricated to generate DC electrical power by harvesting wind energy. The device achieved optimal output performance with a maximum open-circuit voltage of 0.6 V and a maximum short-circuit current of 3.6 muA at a wind speed of 7 m/s and a friction layer area of 2.5 cm2. The introduction of a lubricating material, Polyalphaolefin 4, improved the wear resistance as well as the open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current of the device. This work presents a possible strategy for fabricating miniature windmill DC-TENGs and offers a potential supplement to traditional electromagnetic windmills.