Improving the surface charge density of multi-layered triboelectric nanogenerator by dual-electric field mutual inductance

As a novel energy harvesting technology, triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has emerged as a research hotspot in recent years due to its efficient energy conversion capabilities and broad application prospects. However, due to the limitations of the dielectric properties of friction materials, it is difficult for TENG to achieve a high surface charge density in a limited space. Dual-electric field mutual inductance strategy provides an effective method to improve the surface charge density of TENG devices. Herein, we investigate the surface charge density of a multi-layer structure TENG based on the mechanism of dual-electric field mutual inductance. Experimental research has verified the existence of interaction between electric fields in a multi-layered TENG based on a dual-electric field mutual inductance strategy. Tests of the electrical connection method show that in multi-layered mutual inductance units, the output superposition is achieved by introducing an external charge to the side opposite to the potential change of the output terminal, and the friction layer in parallel on the same side effectively maximizes the output power. In the case of parallel-connected three-layer mutual inductance units, when the multi-layered TENG is used to supply power to a capacitor of the same capacity, the charging rate after introducing an external charge is about three times that of the original state. This study provides theoretical guidance for optimizing the performance of multi-layered TENG using the dual-electric field mutual inductance strategy and offers innovative solutions for sustainable energy utilization.