Seed Power: Natural Seed and Electrospun Poly(vinyl difluoride) (PVDF) Nanofiber Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators with High Output Power Density

Abstract

A triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) based on natural seeds and electrospun poly(vinyl difluoride) (PVDF) fibers is reported. The nanofibers are specifically used to enhance the triboelectric effects. A mustard (flax) seed based TENG renders an impressively high electrical output with an average open circuit voltage of 84 V (126 V) and maximum power density 334 mW m–2 (324 mW m–2) under an impact force of 40 N at 25 Hz. Basil seeds are relatively weaker in power delivery. By comparing the seed crust properties and TENG performances, we analyze the powering capability in terms of the cellulose content in the crust, dielectric constant, and surface morphological features.