In-plane dual-electrode triboelectric nanogenerator based on differential surface functionalization

Stretchable triboelectric nanogenerators (s-TENGs) are promising power sources for self-powered wearable electronics. Conventional single-electrode s-TENGs require an external ground electrode to form a closed circuit. We propose an in-plane dual-electrode s-TENG based on differential surface functionalization to eliminate the external ground electrode. The s-TENG comprises fully stretchable materials such as carbon nanotube thin films and elastomers. The top surface of the elastomer was functionalized to produce a difference in electronegativity between the two electrode regions. A high output power density of 3.5 W m −2 was obtained by tapping the two electrode regions by hand.