(204f) Chemical Functionalized Cellulose Films for High-Performance Triboelectric Nanogenerators in Energy Harvesting and Self-Powered Sensing

The Triboelectric Nanogenerator (TENG) is a burgeoning technique capable of converting ambient mechanical energy into electrical energy, presenting promising applications in micro-power supplies, self-powered sensors, and more. However, early TENGs were constructed with non-biodegradable synthetic polymers, posing a potential threat to environmental pollution. Consequently, exploring biodegradable alternatives becomes imperative to enhance their sustainability. Numerous efforts have been dedicated to fabricating sustainable TENGs, incorporating natural polymers such as cellulose, chitosan, and alginate. In this study, we present a novel method for fabricating high-performance TENG from functionalized cellulose films. Specifically, the cellulose films are prepared via a process of dissolution and regeneration in molten salt hydrate solution, and then films are functionalized with electron-withdrawing groups (e.g., halo and nitrile groups) and electron-donating ones (e.g., methyl, methoxy, and amino groups) through silane coupling reactions. Employing polytetrafluoroethylene as the triboelectric layer, it was found the film functionalized with amino groups generated the highest voltage, followed by those functionalized with methoxy, methyl, halo, and nitrile groups. This trend is closely correlated to the respective electron-withdrawing and/or donating capabilities of these groups. The optimized TENGs were demonstrated for energy harvesting and biomechanical monitoring. In addition to providing valuable insights into enhancing the triboelectric performance of cellulose films through chemical functionalization, this study pioneers a new approach to creating a high-performance and eco-friendly TENGs for energy harvesting and sensing.