Dynamical charge transfer model for high surface charge density triboelectric nanogenerators

Abstract Triboelectric nanogenerators have made great progress and paved the way for green energy, self-powered implantable medical devices and a large number of sensors in the Internet of Things. Maxwell's displacement current is the fundamental theoretical framework of nanogenerators. Quantum model of charge transfer between atoms have been devoted to understanding the triboelectric effect. Increasing the output power of triboelectric nanogenerators is one of the most important subjects for practical application. Here, we study the charge transfer process in triboelectric materials and propose a triboelectric material charge transfer dynamic model. Dynamic charge transfer enables triboelectric nanogenerators to achieve high surface charge density and the superior device robustness, which can significantly improve the output power and life time of triboelectric nanogenerators. The charge transfer model provides not only deeply understanding for high performance of triboelectric nanogenerator, but also a useful guide for the optimization and design of high performance triboelectric materials.