All-Printed Triboelectric Nanogenerator (TENG) for Nasa's in-Space Manufacturing Program

Abstract

Most of the small sensors on a chip such as gas and biosensors require only mW level of power. This level of power can be easily scavenged from motions and vibrations, thus creating self-powered sensors. Tribolelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is an energy-harvesting device that converts the external mechanical energy (such as wind and any other motion/vibration) into electricity by a conjunction of triboelectric effect and electrostatic induction through rubbing two sheets of materials. A potential is created by the triboelectric effect due to the charge transfer between two thin organic/inorganic films that exhibit opposite tribo-polarity. Electrons are driven to flow between two electrodes attached on the backsides of the films in order to balance the potential. There has been a lot of work in the last five years on TENG development and energy generation mechanism. We have developed an all-printed TENG system in support of our In Space Manufacturing program that aims to print devices on demand in the International Space Station. This talk will discuss the selection of electrode materials, construction of TENG and output performance. This work was supported by the NASA In Space Manufacturing program.