High-performance multi-roller coaxial rotating triboelectric nanogenerator based on charge pump strategy

Rotary triboelectric nanogenerators have been widely used in the field of self-powering of the Internet of Things (IoT) as an effective way to capture the mechanical energy of the environment. However, the wear problem caused by long-term contact of friction materials seriously affects its durability in practical applications, which makes the output performance of the system decrease. In this paper, a multi-roller rotary triboelectric nanogenerator (MR-rTENG) based on charge pump strategy is proposed. By using rolling friction, the ambient mechanical energy can be converted into electrical energy with reduced friction resistance and material wear, while the non-contact design of the main TENG can effectively enhance the durability of the system. In addition, a charge pump supplemental charging strategy is introduced to greatly improve the output performance of the MR-rTENG. At 600 rpm, the voltage, current, and charge transfer reached 1785 V, 49 μA, and 187 nC, respectively, with a peak power of 36.38 mW and an effective contact area of only 8 cm². After 40,000 cycles, the output performance of MR-rTENG remains stable. It is able to charge a 10 μF capacitor to 10 V in 15 s and light up 174 light-emitting diodes (LEDs). MR-rTENG has been demonstrated as a power source for hydrogen production from electrolyzed water, driving the production of high-purity hydrogen gas from electrolyzed water. Electrolyzing water to produce hydrogen is a green and environmentally friendly technology, but its high cost limits its large-scale application. The realization of the application of research on hydrogen production from electrolytic water driven by renewable energy has further reduced the cost and promoted the application and promotion of this green technology.