Superwettable hybrid dielectric based multimodal triboelectric nanogenerator with superior durability and efficiency for biomechanical energy and hydropower harvesting

The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is a promising renewable energy conversion technology for harvesting various low-frequency mechanical motions in nature, such as human motion and raindrops. However, traditional TENGs still suffer from challenges including poor mechanical stability, low environmental adaptability, and single working mode. Herein, a scalable and flexible hybrid dielectric-based TENG (HD-TENG) based on triboelectric layer with internal micro/nano pores and hierarchical superhydrophobic micro-cilia structure has been developed and designed to effectively harvest energy from various human motions as well as natural environment (raindrops and waves). Working in the single-electrode mode, the HD-TENG demonstrates high output (-465 V,-60 mu A,-3.2 W m(-2)) and maintains a stable signal output under various deformations, vigorous washing, and high humidity environment. Furthermore, two liquid-solid generators are designed to separately harvest droplet energy and wave energy by bulk effect between placed top electrode and the developed HDTENG. As a result, the output performance of the generators has been significantly improved through further parameter optimization, and peak power densities reach 215 mW m(-2) and 1.3 W m(-2), respectively. Due to the strong adaptability and simple fabrication, the versatile HD-TENG can serve as self-powered devices with energy harvested from various sources in different application scenarios.