Spinach-Mediated Green Synthesized NiFe₂O₄ Nanoparticle-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator: A Smart Tollgate Controller

Exploring eco-friendly techniques to synthesize nanoparticles for developing practical triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) with higher electrical output and efficiency is highly desired. Herein, an economical TENG is fabricated by utilizing spinach-mediated nickel ferrite (NiF) nanoparticles dispersed in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) matrix and aluminum as active energy-harvesting, materials. The structure, surface, dielectric, and electrical properties of the NiF nanoparticles, nanocomposite films with different amounts of fillers, and devices made from them are described. The 0.6 g PVC-NiF TENG generated higher electrical output due to charge holding sites and charge transfer paths, which are attributed to the presence of the NiF nanoparticles, honeycomb structure and porosity of the nanocomposite film. The relative humidity and temperature influence the electrical performance of the optimized device, showing respective sensitive behaviors. Further, the device illustrates potential applications in charging capacitors, glowing light-emitting diodes, and powering an electronic calculator. Also, PVC-NiF TENG is employed as a biomechanical sensor, touch-sensing alarm system, and smart tollgate controller using an electronic interface. Thus, the reported work will serve as an all-encompassing route from the synthesis of nanofillers and embedding them in a PVC matrix as a synergetic nanocomposite material to the fabrication of TENGs for various battery-free electronic applications.