Optimising the Electrode Configuration to Maximise the Power Output of Droplet Triboelectric Nanogenerators

Droplet triboelectric generators (TENGs) provide an innovative solution for harnessing the energy of moving water for sustainable power generation. Existing designs, however, face efficiency challenges in balancing triboelectrification and electrostatic induction. We propose a novel TENG with an additional electrode layer, separated from the negative-affinity dielectric surface, to maximise droplet contact for triboelectrification while enabling continuous charge transfer - the Gap TENG. This configuration achieved a $7000 \%$ increase in peak voltage compared to single-electrode designs. It also demonstrates scalability for real-world applications and compatibility with rain and seawater. This is a promising advancement towards more efficient, renewable energy solutions for diverse aquatic environments.