High-Performance Transparent and Flexible Triboelectric Nanogenerators Based on PDMS-PTFE Composite Films

Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) is commonly used as the negative friction layer of triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) which can harvest ubiquitous mechanical energy. However, it is essential to improve the energy output of PDMS-based TENGs with high visible transmittance for transparent flexible TENG. In this study, a simple, cost-effective and efficient approach is demonstrated to modify PDMS without degrading high transparency. The novel flexible TENG based on PDMS-PTFE composite film exhibits high output voltage and large transfer charge quantity of 95 V and 85 nC respectively, which are enhanced more than threefold in the output compared with pristine PDMS-based TENG. And the TENG device generates average power output of 3.0 W m−2 across the matched optimal load resistance. The enhancement is attributed to PTFE particles dispersed in PDMS matrix, which can increase surface potential and reduce work function. Moreover, the TENG device also remains good transparency and flexibility, which satisfies the demands of transparent and flexible electronic devices. The proposed PDMS/PTFE based TENG shows good application prospects for various power sensors and even wearable energy suppliers. © 2019 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim