Interface-Engineered Porous PDMS-MWCNTs Composites Through HPC-Mediated 'Sponge Pump Absorption' Strategy for High-Performance Triboelectric Nanogenerators

Abstract

PDMS-CNTs composite-based TENGs exhibit promising potential in mechanical energy harvesting due to their flexibility and processing versatility; however, the inherent limitations of PDMS and poor dispersion of CNTs severely restrict their performance. Despite various modification strategies, existing approaches often compromise material properties, making it crucial to develop effective solutions for high-performance TENG devices. Herein, we introduce an innovative approach to fabricate high-performance TENGs based on porous polydimethylsiloxane/multi-walled carbon nanotubes/hydroxypropyl cellulose (PDMS-MWCNTs/HPC) composites through a unique "sponge pump absorption" method. Using HPC as a molecular bridge enables stable MWCNTs dispersion and uniform deposition within porous PDMS framework. The resultant composite foam exhibits exceptional mechanical resilience with 99% recovery after 60% compression and enhanced electrical output, achieving peak voltage and current of 149.09 V and 262.72 nA at 87% porosity under 40 N force. The hierarchical porous structure, formed by unfiltered NaCl templates, significantly enhances surface charge density and charge transfer efficiency, while maintaining essential dielectric properties through HPC incorporation. The device demonstrates reliable performance in powering LEDs and exhibits distinct electrical responses to various mechanical deformations including stretching, twisting, and bending. This strategy presents an effective approach for fabricating high-performance TENG devices with great potential in self-powered sensing and sustainable energy harvesting applications.

Keywords: Triboelectric Nanogenerator, Porous PDMS-Mwcnts/HPC Composite, Interface engineering, Energy harvesting