High-Output\nTriboelectric Nanogenerator Achieved through\nConductive Layer Strategy for Motion Step Sensing

As\nan emerging high-efficiency energy conversion device, improving\nthe output of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) is still a key\nmethod to promote practical application of TENGs. This paper systematically\ninvestigated the influence of component composition, thickness, and\nsurface morphology of the metal conducting layer on the performance\nof triboelectric nanogenerators. It has been established that these\nthree factors have a significant influence on the output performance\nof TENGs. Among the four common metals Au, Pt, Ag, and Cu, the triboelectric\nnanogenerator achieves its maximum output when utilizing Ag as the\nconducting layer, with optimal performance observed at a thickness\nof 278 nm. TENGs with nanostructured conducting layers have better\noutput as the nanostructure amplifies the induction charging area,\nthereby effectively augmenting the performance of TENGs. In particular,\nwhen contrasted with a triboelectric nanogenerator utilizing copper\nfoil as the conducting layer alongside poly(vinylidene difluoride)\nand Nylon-11 as friction layers in the common work, the short-circuit\ncurrent of the triboelectric nanogenerator increased by 2.3 times,\nand the maximum short-circuit current reached 149 μA when the\nconducting layer was replaced with Ag, and the enhanced triboelectric\nnanogenerator successfully illuminated 1536 commercial LEDs. In addition,\nthe TENG-based smart insoles combined with pedometers can realize\nsignal sensing and the real-time recording of steps during exercise.\nThis research provides a new simple and reliable method to further\nimprove the output of the TENG.