Gamma glycine enhances efficiency of organic hybrid piezoelectric-triboelectric nanogenerators

This study presents a comprehensive exploration of enhancing the electrical output of flexible hybrid piezoelectric-triboelectric nanogenerators (P-TENG) through the incorporation of gamma-glycine (gamma-GC) into fully organic gamma-GC/chitosan (CS) composites. A systematic investigation of the effects of gamma-GC content (wt%) on the material characteristics and resulting electrical output signal is conducted. The research demonstrates the pivotal role of optimized gamma-GC and CS concentrations in achieving superior performance. Through adherence to the percolation threshold principle, a critical gamma-GC content is identified, leading to the attainment of the highest output signal. Three theoretical explanations substantiate this observation: firstly, molecular polarization occurring at the interface; secondly, the establishment of a well-connected filler internetwork; and thirdly, mitigation of air breakdown limitations. The interaction of gamma-GC and CS fosters a robust hydrogen bond network, aligning interface polarization coherently. Efficient internetwork connections between gamma-GC fillers facilitate facile charge generation and transfer. Furthermore, utilizing an appropriate quantity of gamma-GC ensures optimal charge entrapment while circumventing issues related to air breakdown. The optimal electrical output is achieved by using 50% gamma-GC, resulting in an open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 79 V and a short-circuit current (ISC) of 64 mu A. The maximum power output (Pmax) registers at 705.96 mu W under an external load resistance of 1 M omega. Importantly, practical applications are demonstrated, including capacitor charging (0.22 mu F and 0.33 mu F), illumination of 100 LEDs, and operation of a scientific calculator-equipped watch.

Automated summary

This study explores the enhancement of electrical output of flexible hybrid piezoelectric-triboelectric nanogenerators by incorporating gamma-glycine into fully organic composites. The research demonstrates the importance of optimized concentrations of gamma-glycine and chitosan in achieving superior performance. The study identifies the critical content of gamma-glycine that leads to the highest output signal, and provides theoretical explanations for this observation.