Multi-Sized porous silica/PDMS composite layer for enhanced performance in triboelectric nanogenerators

This study explores the enhancement of triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) performance through the incorporation of a KIT-6/PDMS composite friction layer featuring multi-sized pores. KIT-6, a mesoporous silica with a well-ordered structure, was integrated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to create a hybrid material that leverages the synergistic effects of both components. The nano-sized pores in the KIT-6 framework significantly increase the surface area and provide diverse charge trapping sites, which are crucial for improving triboelectric performance. The KIT-6/PDMS composite demonstrated a remarkable increase in performances compared to conventional PDMS-based TENGs. The enhancement is due to the distinctive porous structure that facilitates more effective contact electrification and charge separation. The TENG with 2 wt% KIT-6/PDMS achieved an instantaneous power density of 4.37 W/m2, a 6.52-fold improvement over the TENG with pure PDMS. Additionally, the energy produced by the KIT-6/PDMS nanogenerator is accumulated in a circuit and subsequently utilized to light up 84 LEDs. The study highlights the potential of porous nanocomposites in advancing the efficiency of energy harvesting devices, laying the foundation for more sustainable and efficient power sources in wearable electronics and IoT applications. The findings underscore the importance of material innovation in optimizing the functionality of next generation nanogenerators.