Magnetite nanoparticles-based triboelectric nanogenerators for self-powering applications

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable and efficient power sources for low-power consumption electronic devices has directed attention toward triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). The present study addresses the challenge of identifying suitable materials that can enhance energy conversion efficiency while maintaining cost-effective and straightforward synthesis techniques. We report the fabrication and performance of a TENG using pure magnetite (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles synthesized via a chemical co-precipitation method. The structural and morphological characteristics of the Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were thoroughly analyzed. The TENG (5 × 5 cm²) was constructed with Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles as the positive triboelectric layer and fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) as the opposite frictional layer. The Fe₃O₄/FEP TENG demonstrated an output voltage of 320 V, a current of 175 µA, and a power density of 4.43 W/m², surpassing previously reported values. The device was tested for practical applications by successfully powering 360 LEDs, a calculator, a digital watch, and a hygrometer. This work highlights the feasibility of using Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles in TENGs for self-powering electronic devices, providing a promising avenue for sustainable energy solutions.