Ultrahigh Charge Density of Cellulose-Based Triboelectric Materials Based on Built-in Electric Field and Deep Trap Synergy.

Wang, Feijie; Jia, Chao; Wang, Suyang; Liu, Yichi; Ouyang, Shiqiang; Zhang, Shenzhuo; Hu, Yueming; Zhao, Junhua et al. · Nano Lett · 2025

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Cellulose-based triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are increasingly studied as potential candidates for advancing sustainable wearable electronics due to their biodegradability, self-powering capability, and high sensitivity. However, the near-electroneutrality of cellulose and its lack of efficient charge storage sites result in rapid charge dissipation. This study's synergistic approach of constructing deep traps and built-in electric fields effectively promotes charge trapping. This approach achieved nearly 2 orders of magnitude improvement in the deep-trap density of the modified cellulose and a 74% reduction in the charge dissipation rate, compared with cellulose, yielding a charge density as high as 332 μC/m<sup>2</sup>, comparable to the output produced by the ion injection. The integrated TENG demonstrates reliable and high-sensitivity signal transmission as a wearable electronic device. This study presents a simple and scalable strategy for fabricating high-performance cellulose-based TENGs, underscoring the significant potential of cellulose in sustainable self-powered wearable electronics.