Electret-Enhanced Triboelectric Nanogenerator

To address the challenges of low surface charge density, poor stability in humid conditions and unstable performance in polymer electret triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), this study presents a synergistic enhancement strategy combining electrospinning and corona charging. The PAN-PVDF composite nanofiber membrane prepared via electrospinning achieves an initial surface potential of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]kV. Following secondary corona electret treatment, the surface potential significantly increased to [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]kV. In contact-separation mode, this electret demonstrated outstanding output performance: within an operating frequency range of 2–4[Formula: see text]Hz and a separation distance of 4–5[Formula: see text]mm, its maximum power density reached [Formula: see text] (under matched load). Furthermore, the device charged a [Formula: see text] commercial capacitor to 12[Formula: see text]V within 15[Formula: see text]min at 2.5[Formula: see text]Hz, demonstrating practical energy storage and driving capabilities. Compared to conventional materials such as PTFE and pure PVDF, the PAN-PVDF composite fiber membrane exhibits a high initial potential, a slow charge decay rate and good mechanical stability after electret processing. This research provides a highly viable material and process pathway for high-performance self-powered devices in wearable technology and IoT applications.