Harvesting Energy from Fog Droplets: A Multi-Parameter Optimization Study on the Performance and Mechanism of an Atomized Droplet-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator

Amid growing global energy and environmental challenges, the efficient harvesting of high-entropy energy at the micro/nano scale represents a critical pathway toward sustainable development. This study designs an atomized droplet-based triboelectric nanogenerator (ADB-TENG), offering an approach for capturing dispersed mechanical energy from ambient sources such as rainfall, fog, and airflow. Through an integrated experimental and simulation methodology, we systematically investigate the influence of key parameters, including surface wettability, wind speed, blade inclination angle, and multiblade arrangement, on the electrical output performance of the ADB-TENG. The combination of a custom-built experimental setup and COMSOL Multiphysics simulations reveals the dynamic coupling relationship between droplet motion and interfacial charge transfer. The results demonstrate that surface modification of PTFE films, achieving a contact angle of approximately 130°, significantly enhances the charge separation efficiency. Furthermore, both wind speed and blade inclination are found to critically govern the droplet kinetic energy and solid-liquid contact time, which collectively determine the triboelectric output performance. Additionally, the use of multiple blades connected in parallel and the increase in the effective contact area substantially improve the overall electrical energy output. These findings not only provide a multiscale understanding of the operational mechanism of ADB-TENGs but also establish a foundational framework for the innovative design of high-efficiency energy conversion systems in high-humidity environments.