Enhanced triboelectricity through visible-light-induced surface charges in BTO-polymer hybrid for coexistence solar-mechanical energy harvesting

The exploration of hybrid composites holds great promise in the pursuit of synergistic energy-harvesting solutions, providing an efficient approach to tap into multiple energy sources. One striking example is the BTO (BaTiO3)-polymer hybrid where its high dielectric constant and the piezo-/ferroelectricity are leveraged to improve the triboelectricity of the polymer-based triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). Beyond this, the BTO also exhibits a photoactive nature, which, until now, has not been exploited to enhance triboelectricity. In this study, a facile method to exploit BTO’s photoresponses in a BTO-polymer hybrid is reported, where surface states present in BTO nanoparticles enable visible spectrum absorption, and the interfaces are designed to facilitate charge spatial separation. Upon visible light illumination, surface charges are generated on the BTO-polymer hybrid, significantly enhancing the photo-induced charge electrification, which in turn boosts the TENG output. These findings demonstrate the possibility of simultaneously harvesting solar and mechanical energies in TENGs using ceramic-polymer hybrids. Additionally, the study employs multiple advanced Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) techniques to elucidate the roles of each component and interface in energy harvesting, shedding light on the functional material design. This work not only broadens the variety of energy sources for TENGs but also addresses the growing demand for sustainable and adaptable methods of power generation. [Display omitted] •Surface states and interface engineering work in tandem to harness visible light, inducing surface charge on a dynamic ceramic/polymer hybrid.•The light-induced surface charges on the BTO-polymer hybrid elevate TENG voltage by 118 % and current by 31.7 %.•BTO-polymer hybrid-based TENGs showcase the simultaneous capture of solar and mechanical energies.