An all paper based triboelectric nanogenerators with high output performance in extreme environment manufactured by multi-layer papers forming technology

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are regarded as a promising technology to drive the development of flexible/wearable electronics and self-powering sensor. Application of cellulose paper as the triboelectric positive materials makes TENGs more environmentally friendly. However, the limited output and stability in harsh environments and oxidation and corrosion of the metal electrodes have limited the practical application of cellulose paper based triboelectric nanogenerators (CPTENGs). Here, we have integrated cellulose paper-based triboelectric material and electrode in one sheet by using multi-layer forming technology in paper industry; the upper triboelectric layer shows excellent triboelectric positive performance, hydrophobicity and acid and alkali resistance, while the bottom electrode exhibits promise conductivity. The all CPTENGs can yield a maximum open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 227.1 V, a short-circuit current (ISC) of 6.9 μA. Furthermore, the VOC values of the all CPTENGs increase from 0.02 V to 225.1 V at the load resistance of 100 Ω ∼ 10 GΩ; and a power density of 520 mW·m−2 is also obtained at a load resistance of 30 MΩ. Moreover, the VOC of CPTENGs not only retains up to 78 % of its initial value at a high relative humidity of 90 %, but also almost maintains unchanged in a wide range of the pH environment (pH = 1 ∼ 13). More importantly, the CPTENGs can be readily matched with paper-based zinc supercapacitor (P-ZISC) to act as an all paper based self-charging power system (PSCPS). The PSCPS is capable of driving various miniaturized electronics, such as electronic watch, temperature/humidity indicator, demonstrating its potential application in a sustainable power source for portable and green electronics.