Graphene Nanosheets Enhanced Triboelectric Output Performances of PTFE Films

The invention of Wang’s triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) in 2012 inspired an exciting strategy for solving the urgent global energy crisis and environmental issues. Graphene nanosheet-embedded polytetrafluoroethylene (GN-PTFE) films were produced using a micro-injection molding apparatus for achieving high-performance TENGs. The embedded graphene nanosheets significantly improved the triboelectric performances of the GN-PTFE film-based TENG. Exceptional long-term stability and durability of the TENG based on the GN-PTFE film were achieved. Particularly, the short-circuit current and open-circuit voltage of the GN-PTFE film-based TENG declined only 17.7 and 16.6%, respectively, after 150,000 tapping cycles. It was strongly argued that the extraordinary output triboelectric performances of the GN-PTFE film-based TENG were attributed to the high dielectric constant and remarkable lubricating behavior of the graphene nanosheets. The application of the TENG based on the GN-PTFE film demonstrated that 100 LEDs were simultaneously lighted up by a continuous finger tapping process, suggesting great potential in demanding micro- and nano-energy fields.