A general optimization approach for contact-separation triboelectric nanogenerator

Abstract Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is a kind of mechanical energy harvesters based on triboelectric effect. Its output performance strongly depends on the structural design, material properties, circuit status, and mechanical loading process. In this work, we develop a new theoretical method for analysing the contact-separation mode TENG devices with dimensionless formulations which are based on the V - Q - x relationship with the TENG being treated as a parallel-plate capacitor. The correctness and accuracy of the proposed method and model are verified and validated via a series of experimental results. With the proposed method, the scaling laws between the performance and structure, material properties, circuit status and mechanical loading are established, and the output performance of the devices can be predicted with all the parameters being considered simultaneously. The developed model and formulas offer good guidance for structural design and optimization strategies for TENG devices, which could lead to the fast development of high performance of TENGs through accurate numerical analysis at low cost.