Hybrid nanogenerators based on triboelectrification of a dielectric composite made of lead-free ZnSnO3 nanocubes

Based on mixed piezoelectric and ferroelectric nanostructures with polymers in various architectural forms, the flexible triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have been extensively investigated. In this study, we design and fabricate lead-free ZnSnO3 nanocubes @ polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) based TENG by dispersing ZnSnO3 nanocubes into PDMS elastomer at different ratios. Finally, the TENG can attain a maximum electrical output signal up to 400 V and 28 mu A at a current density of 7 mu A cm(-2), and an effective power to 3 mW at 6 wt% mass ZnSnO3 mixed into PDMS. The harvested energy is utilized to drive 106 blue LEDs. In addition, this TENG generates stable electric power, even in the compressing and -releasing process for over 500 cycles. Further investigation by electrostatic force microscopy shows clearly the maximum surface charge density appears at the optimal mixing ratio of ZnSnO3 piezoelectric nanostructures into PDMS. This demonstrates that the optimization of the mixing ration between ZnSnO3 piezoelectric nanostructures and PDMS is an effective method to increase the surface charges on the composite thin film and then improve the performance of the TENG. This TENG technology reveals a great candidate to be applied in large-scale device fabrications, flexible sensors and biological devices because of its easy fabrication process, high output power and biocompatibility. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.