Laser-carbonized MXene/ZiF-67 nanocomposite as an intermediate layer for boosting the output performance of fabric-based triboelectric nanogenerator

The investigation of efficient research approaches to boost the output performance of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) is crucial in extending their practical use in daily life. In this study, a laser-carbonized (LC) MXene/ZiF-67 nanocomposite-based intermediate layer is introduced to achieve outstanding output performance in both contact and non-contact mode (CNM) TENGs. The porous structure of the LC-MXene/ZiF-67 nanocomposite layer contains a high charge density, thereby enabling the surface charges to be conserved for longer periods, and simultaneously increasing the surface potential. Different ratios of MXene/ZiF-67, laser powers, and laser speeds were explored and optimized to improve the output performance of the CNM-TENG. Under optimal conditions, the intermediate and charge generating layer significantly enhanced the contact-TENG output power density of 65 W/m2 at a load resistance of 1.3 MΩ. In addition, the noncontact TENG provided a high charge density of 15.3 µC/m2 and stable output performance at a distance of 2 cm. Finally, demonstrations of the optimized CNM-TENG-based human gait analysis, automobile vehicles, smart robots were presented to enable obstacle detection and human motion alerts, touchless wearable keyboards for security, and self-powered electronic devices. The findings of this study offer an innovative and effective strategy for designing devices with excellent performance for use in self-powered electronic devices and sensing systems.