Signal Generation Mechanisms with Isolated and Characterized Piezo/Tribo Signals for Precise Energy Harvesting Analysis: A Pathway to Integrated Hybrid Nanogenerator Fabrication

The advancement of miniaturized, high-efficiency nanogenerators for energy harvesting demands precise characterization of piezoelectric and triboelectric outputs. This study employs a unique methodology to isolate and characterize the piezoelectric and triboelectric signals from the as-received piezoelectric output, enabling an accurate evaluation of the true piezoelectric response. Ground shielding layers were employed to suppress triboelectric interference, contributing toward precise evaluation and optimization of the actual piezoelectric output. A detailed investigation of the signal generation mechanisms based on dynamic electric field formation was conducted, revealing distinct charge redistribution behaviors governing piezoelectric and triboelectric contributions. The triboelectric signal exhibited its typical characteristics, including a longer response time and a smoother curve than that of the piezoelectric signal. Additionally, nanocapacitor-based mechanisms owing to nanoparticle inclusion were explored to enhance charge storage and polarization effects within the system, leading to improved energy conversion efficiency. These insights were leveraged to develop an integrated hybrid piezo/tribo nanogenerator (PTNG), where triboelectric interference was strategically utilized as a functional amplification mechanism. The final optimized PTNG exhibited a peak-to-peak output voltage of 81.58 V, a current density of ∼6.4 μA/cm2, and a power density of ∼240 μW/cm2, demonstrating its potential for efficient energy harvesting in portable electronics. These findings establish a robust framework for precise piezoelectric performance evaluation while highlighting the potential of compact and integrated hybrid devices for achieving device miniaturization without sacrificing efficiency. This work paves the way for sustainable energy solutions in flexible electronics and wearable sensor applications.