Performance‐enhanced eco‐friendly triboelectric nanogenerator via wettability manipulation of lignin

Abstract

Abstract Eco‐friendly and sustainable energy harvests that can alleviate concerns on the energy crisis and environmental pollution are in demand. Exploiting nature‐derived biomaterials is imperative to develop these carbon‐neutral energy harvesters. In this study, lignin/polycaprolactone nanofiber (NF)‐based triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are fabricated using an electrospinning technique. Nanotextured morphology of electrospun lignin/polycaprolactone NFs and wettability modification of lignin into hydrophilicity can significantly enhance electron transfer between tribopositive and tribonegative materials, resulting in the highest energy‐harvesting efficiency in their class. The output voltage of the lignin‐based TENG exceeds 95 V despite relatively low tapping force of 9 N and frequency of 9 Hz. Various mechanical and physicochemical characterizations, including scanning electron microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, x‐ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform infrared analysis, and atomic force microscopy, are performed, confirming the mechanical durability, biocompatibility, and industrial viability of lignin‐based TENG developed here.

Keywords

• eco‐friendly triboelectric nanogenerator
• electrospinning
• energy‐harvesting technology
• lignin
• wettability manipulation