Synergistic Charge Manipulation in Aramid Nanofiber/Hydroxyapatite Composites for Environmentally Robust Triboelectric Nanogenerator

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are promising candidates for powering next-generation wearable electronics by leveraging their self-powered capability, efficient low-frequency energy harvesting, and fast response. However, the widespread application of polymer-based TENGs remains limited by their poor environmental stability under harsh conditions. To overcome this limitation, we developed a durable aramid nanofiber/hydroxyapatite (ANF/HAP) composite film (denoted as AH film) through vacuum-assisted filtration. The design leverages a synergistic charge manipulation mechanism: ANFs serve as electron-trapping sites with low electrical potential, while HAP acts as a high-dielectric charge reservoir. This unique charge manipulation synergy concurrently enhances the mechanical robustness and triboelectric output. The optimized AH film demonstrates a remarkable tensile strength of 168.2 MPa and a toughness of 9.52 MJ·m–3. When integrated into a TENG device (AH-T), the device achieves a superior power output of 26.45 V·cm–2, a rapid response time of 16 ms, and excellent cyclic stability over 6000 cycles. Critically, the AH-T demonstrates exceptional environmental resilience, maintaining stable operation at high temperatures (up to 350 °C) and in acidic/alkaline environments. This work provides a practical and effective strategy for designing environmentally robust triboelectric materials, advancing the development of durable energy harvesters for wearable and harsh environment applications.