Flexible Triboelectric Generator and Pressure Sensor Based on Poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid] Biopolymer

摘要

The utilization of poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid] (PHB) biopolymer for a device that uses charging process in friction to convert mechanical energy into electric power is reported. The triboelectric generator (TEG) is fabricated by stacking a drop cast PHB film between indium tin oxide coated poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and PET sheet. The charge transfer takes place through an established general rule according to which the material with higher dielectric constant becomes positively charged. Furthermore, the utilization of such TEG as pressure sensor is illustrated. TEGs have the potential of harvesting energy from touch screen, mechanical vibration, and more, with great applications in self-powered sensors for heat and environmental monitoring and even large-scale applications.