Surface patterning strategies for performance enhancement in triboelectric nanogenerators

Triboelectrification is reported as a surface phenomenon and is explained by the electron cloud overlap model explained in the Wang transition concept. Therefore, the performance enhancement of Triboelectric Nano -generators (TENGs) need to be explored through strategies to engineer the surfaces for increased surface contact area and surface roughness. Surface patterning strategies holds a significant role in upscaling the performance and widening the fields of application of TENGs. The current review article is dedicated to presenting various surface patterning methods, which comes under the physical modification of surfaces. Techniques such as lithography, plasma assisted methods, laser irradiation techniques, electrochemical anodization and other geometrical patterning are discussed. It is noted that the surface modification offered by laser induced graphene is effective for fabricating high performance TENGs. One of the major advantages reported with lasing polyimide and laser induced graphene composite for TENG application is that the composite could act as an electrode for both dielectric to conductor interface and metal free dielectric-dielectric interfaces. Additionally, block copol-ymer lithography has been identified to be an effective method for fabricating vertically aligned nanopatterned surfaces with high contact surface area. Apart from that, the pressurised plasma jets in non-thermal plasma treatment are also proved to be highly suitable for effective and selective etching of different types of surfaces. Surface texturing by electrochemical anodization has been employed on metallic substrates for developing high performance TENG electrodes. Current challenges faced by various surface patterning approaches and possible suggestions for future developments are also discussed in detail.

Automated summary

Triboelectrification, a surface phenomenon explained by the electron cloud overlap model, can be enhanced through strategies such as surface engineering and patterning. This review article focuses on various methods of surface patterning, including lithography, plasma assisted methods, laser irradiation techniques, and electrochemical anodization. Laser induced graphene and block copolymer lithography have shown promise for fabricating high performance Triboelectric Nano-generators (TENGs). Challenges and suggestions for future developments are also discussed.