Enhancing the charge transfer in triboelectric nanogenerator based on sulfonated poly ether ether ketone/carbon nanotubes proton exchange composite membrane

This study introduces an innovative type of triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) that utilizes proton exchange membranes to significantly enhance the transfer of electric charge in a triboelectric layer. To achieve this, composite membranes were fabricated by applying a blade coating technique to a mixture of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and sulfonated poly ether ether ketone (SPEEK), serving as the critical triboelectric layer in the TENG device. These composite membranes exhibit an exceptional ability to attract water molecules through hydrogen bonding. Thanks to the high electro-positivity of these water molecules, they actively participate in the triboelectrification process, resulting in a substantial increase in charge transfer efficiency within the TENG device. As a result, when compared to the conventional dry-based SP (SPEEK)-TENG, the wet-based SP-TENG demonstrates an astonishing surge in output current, exceeding an 860-fold increase. Furthermore, a SPC (SPEEK/CNTs)-0.5-TENG cell device shows remarkable performance by generating a peak current of 0.91 mA and a power density of 0.39 W/m2. Impressively, four SPC-0.5-TENG cells can rapidly charge a 470 µF capacitor to 2.1 V within 28 seconds, making them a viable power source for a variety of portable electronic devices. This material displays substantial promise for applications in self-powered technologies, ultimately contributing to a reduced dependence on external power sources. •Wet-state SPC-TENG was developed for mechanical energy harvester.•Enhanced SPC-TENG performance in high-humidity conditions.•Improved proton conductivity leads to enhanced transfer charge of SPC-TENG.•SPC-0.5-TENG demonstrates the highest triboelectric performance.•SPC-0.5-TENG generating a current of 0.91 mA and a power density of 0.39 W/m2.