High-Strength Flexible Cellulose-MgAl Layered Double Hydroxide-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Ocean Wave Energy Harvesting

The relentless expansion of sensor networks demands energy solutions that are autonomous and environmentally benign. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have emerged as a game-changing solution due to their ability to convert small-scale mechanical vibrations, including geological movements, vibrations, and water waves, also known as blue energy, into electricity. However, most existing blue energy harvesters rely on per- and polyfluoroalkyl-substance (PFAS)-based polymers, which pose serious environmental risks and hinder sustainable device development. In this study, a PFAS-free TENG using a polydimethylsiloxane-cellulose-MgAl layered double hydroxide (PCL) nanocomposite is developed and designed for efficient mechanical and blue energy harvesting. With an optimized 3 wt % of LDH loading, the device achieved an output voltage of ∼69 V and power density of 23.26 μWcm^-2 at a load resistance of 1 MΩ. The fabricated TENG demonstrated improved performance in low-temperature aqueous environments, underscoring the importance of evaluating thermal effects in blue energy devices. The device exhibits excellent durability and long-term output stability, reliably charging a 10 μF capacitor. This work underscores the potential of PFAS-free nanocomposites as sustainable alternatives in energy harvesting technologies. Moreover, the lightweight, flexible, and robust nanocomposite film design allows scalable deployment on water surfaces for practical blue energy harvesting applications. The research findings pave the way for eco-friendly and high-performance energy solutions that meet the rigorous demands of modern sensor networks and beyond.