High-Performance Triboelectric Nanogenerators Based on Foaming Agent-Modified Porous PDMS Films with Multiple Pore Sizes

Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG),which is prepared from porouspoly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), has garnered considerable interestas a small, lightweight device capable of harvesting various formsof mechanical energy. However, the long fabrication period, hazardousreagents, complicated processes, and high costs limit its applicationin the wearable field. In this study, the porous PDMS film TENG (F-TENG)was prepared by modifying PDMS with three foaming agents. The wholeprocess has the advantages of having a short production cycle andbeing simple and safe. The specific surface area of porous PDMS filmswas significantly improved compared to pure PDMS films. The F-TENGprepared from porous PDMS with the smallest pore size exhibits thelargest specific surface area and the best output performance. Theeffect of the weight percentage of the doped foaming agent on theoutput performance was investigated. The results indicated that theoptimal performance was obtained when 8 wt % of azodicarbonamide wasdoped. At this doping level, the F-TENG achieved an open-circuit voltageof 100.38 V and a short-circuit current of 3.99 mu A, which were3.71 times and 3.12 times higher than those of PDMS-TENG. Furthermore,the device can collect mechanical energy from the movements of multipleparts of the body and convert it into electrical signals. When integratedwith rectifier circuits and capacitors, the F-TENG can constitutea self-powered system to power small appliances. The electronic systemhas great application potential in the fields of wearable devices,self-powered sensing, and power supply of microelectronic devices.