Friction force excitation effect on the sliding-mode triboelectric nanogenerator

Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is a promising energy harvesting technology. Clarifying the excitation effect of friction force on the sliding-mode TENG is important. In this work, three kinds of sliding-mode TENGs were fabricated and the short-circuit output current（Isc）was measured. The results show that the Isc of sliding-mode TENG under constant friction force improved with the increase of friction force, and a cyclic friction force dramatically excited the Isc. Moreover, it demonstrated that after a cyclic friction force excitation process, a small friction force was beneficial for electrical performance. The mechanism was discussed that the large friction force would result in the local friction heat temperature that has a great impact on friction interface electrons transfer and redistribution, therefore, a proper friction force is vitally important for improving the output performance rather than only increasing the friction force. These findings shed light on further understanding of the triboelectric behavior at the sliding friction interface.