Lead-free silver niobate microparticles-loaded PDMS composite films for high-performance clip-like hybrid mechanical energy harvesters

A triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is a highly potential green energy harvesting technology to power small-scale electronic devices. Enhancing the overall electricity production capacity of TENGs is a primary concern for their utilization as an electricity generator in day-to-day life. Herein, we proposed a lead-free silver niobate (AgNbO3 (ANb)) microparticles (MPs)-embedded polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite film-based clip-like hybrid nanogenerator (HNG) device, producing an enhanced electrical output from the applied mechanical movements. The ANb MPs with a high dielectric constant were initially synthesized and embedded inside the PDMS polymer matrix. Various HNGs were fabricated utilizing ANb MPs/PDMS composite films/aluminum tape as negative/positive triboelectric films, respectively and operated in contact-separation mode. The electrical output from them was comparatively analyzed to investigate an optimum concentration of the ANb MPs inside the PDMS film. The robust HNG with 5 wt % ANb MPs/PDMS composite film produced the highest electrical output with promising stability. Thereafter, three similar optimized HNGs were fabricated and integrated within a 3D-printed clip-like structure and the electrical output was thoroughly evaluated while combining multiple HNGs as well as from each independent HNG. The clip-like HNG device exhibited an electrical output of 340 V and 20 mu A that can be further utilized to charge various capacitors and power portable electronics. Owing to the high resilience structure of the clip-like HNG device, it was also demonstrated to harvest biomechanical energy produced by human movements into electricity. The mechanical energy harvesting when the clip-like HNG device was attached to the accelerator pedal of the car and the pedal of a musical piano was successfully demonstrated.(c) 2023 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The editorial office of Journal of Materials Science & Technology.

Automated summary

A clip-like hybrid nanogenerator (HNG) device incorporating lead-free silver niobate (ANb) microparticles embedded in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite film was proposed to enhance the electrical output from mechanical movements. By optimizing the concentration of ANb microparticles in the PDMS film, a robust HNG with 5 wt % ANb microparticles/PDMS composite film was found to generate the highest electrical output. The clip-like HNG device demonstrated a voltage output of 340 V and 20 mu A, making it suitable for charging capacitors and powering portable electronics.