Metal‐organic framework‐based nanofibrous film for two different modes of triboelectric nanogenerators

Abstract

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are nanomaterials with engineered chemical structures, offering remarkable properties. However, their limited film‐formation capability hinders their integration into triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). This study proposes a simple yet effective solution to overcome this challenge by employing electrospinning techniques to integrate the zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF‐8) into an easy‐to‐use nanofibrous mat. ZIF‐8 has high surface potential, a unique cubical structure, and an easy fabrication process that makes it an ideal material for TENGs. By incorporating ZIF‐8 into the electrospinning solution, significant improvements are achieved in the electropositivity of the resulting nanofibers. It leads to notable changes in the shape, morphology, and roughness of electrospun fibers, consequently enhancing the overall performance of the TENG. The results indicate that utilizing the ZIF‐based electrospun mat as a tribo‐positive material can increase transferred charges between electrodes by more than 100%. Utilizing the MOF‐based nanofibrous mat, this study also introduces a novel rotary TENG that works based on a mode of TENG operation called rolling mode. The reliable charge generation by the proposed rolling system reveals that this mode of TENG operation could be a superb alternative for traditional TENG modes, like contact/separation or sliding, which cause high levels of mechanical stress due to harsh physical impact or friction.