Development of novel biomaterial-based rotational Triboelectric Nanogenerators for wind energy harvesting

Abstract Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs), which operate based on triboelectrification, have emerged over the years as an efficient and cost-effective solution for generating electricity from mechanical motion across various frequencies. This study aims to design a wind-based TENG optimised for low-to-moderate wind speeds (3-8 m/s), using novel biomaterials to enhance performance and eco-friendliness. A novel structure, incorporating the Scotch-Yoke mechanism converts rotary motion into reciprocating motion. Various biomaterials were investigated as positive triboelectric layers, paired with Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as the negative layer, across different frequencies and surface areas. These biomaterials are further integrated into the wind energy harvesting TENG to enhance its performance. The results reveal that the fabric-PVA-albumen layer (FPA-TENG) exhibited peak performance when integrated into the newly designed wind energy harvesting structure. This novel design demonstrated high efficiency across varying wind speeds, showcasing its potential as a sustainable source for powering micro-electronic devices. The use of biodegradable materials further enhances the eco-friendliness of the system, offering a green alternative to traditional energy harvesting technologies for use in self-powered sensors, renewable energy harvesting systems.