Quantifying triboelectric series of polymers based on the measurement of triboelectrification with NaCl solution

Triboelectrification between polymers and aqueous solutions has received much attention in energy harvesting, self-powerful sensing, and other fields. However, the triboelectric series between commonly used polymers and aqueous solutions have not been systematically measured and studied. Based on the established solid–liquid triboelectric charge measurement method, we quantitatively measured the charge density caused by the triboelectric charge transfer among 14 common polymers and established a triboelectric series of polymers rubbing with sodium chloride solution. The influence mechanisms of the electronegativity of the functional groups, structures of the electric double layer, and wettability on the triboelectrification between polymer and aqueous solution were discussed in detail. And it was found that electron transfer is the main mechanism of triboelectric charge transfer between polymers and aqueous solutions. This work provides a new perspective for the quantitative study of polymer triboelectric series, helps to deeply understand the nature of the triboelectrification phenomenon of polymers, and may serve as guidance for designing and preparing new polymer materials with excellent triboelectric properties.