Large-sized sandpaper coated with solution-processed aluminum for a triboelectric nanogenerator with reliable durability

Abstract

Ambient mechanical energy, which is abundant in the living environment, is a promising energy harvesting source. This technology can provide an eco-friendly and sustainable form of energy. Here, a novel solution-processed aluminum coating (SC) method to create an electrode, consisting of sandpaper, is demonstrated for a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). The proposed SC method harnesses the strong adhesion of Al to the target substrate, with conformal deposition of Al following a pre-existing nano-to-micro surface morphology, and offering good thickness controllability without discontinuities, and the ability to coat an Al film in a manner unrestricted by the size or type of substrate. The fabricated TENG using the SC method is capable of serving as an energy supplier and can be commercialized for the Internet of Things (IoT) due to its high output power and low-cost.