Development and Characterization of Sustainable Polyethylene Oxide-Mica Composites for Triboelectric Nanogenerators

Energy harvesting innovatively captures clean ambient environmental energy, that is subsequently converted into electricity. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) harvest mechanical energy through the coupled effects of dielectric contact electrification and electrostatic induction. TENG would be most successful for sensors and small electronic devices due to their lightweight, affordable materials, low fabrication costs, and high energy conversion. This thesis’s motivation was to develop a sustainable, recyclable, and high-performance dielectric, furthering advancements for tribo-positive materials. Study 1 demonstrated the successful integration of bio-based polyethylene oxide with natural muscovite mica, by optimizing filler mass content, film thickness, and electrical performance. Study 2 further investigated the effects of isothermal crystallization and the degree of mica exfoliation on topographical and tribological properties. The physical surface properties provided direct insights on contact area, adhesive interactions, and electrical performance. Material development and novelty ultimately is a critical research field for enhancing TENG surface charge density, durability, and sustainability.