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 μA, ∼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 HD-TENG. 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.