High-Performance Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on PVDF Nanofibers Modified by a Charge Control Agent n-Propyl Gallate

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), as an emerging energy harvesting device, can efficiently convert the weak mechanical energy in the environment into electrical energy, demonstrating significant potential in self-powered systems. In this study, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofiber films mixed with a small amount of n-propyl gallate (PG) were prepared by using the electrospinning technique, and TENGs were fabricated based on these films. Unexpectedly, experimental results showed that PG (with 0.5–2.5 wt%) did not affect the β phase of the PVDF. However, the TENG based on PVDF/PG composite nanofiber film with 1 wt% PG (PG1-TENG) exhibited large output values of 334 V, 4.36 μA, and 78.4 nC for output voltage, current, and transferred charge, respectively, with a power density of 5.27 W/m2, which highlights ~60% improvement in output voltage over pristine PVDF-TENG. This observation was attributed to the unique charge regulation ability of PG, without altering PVDF’s β phase. Furthermore, application potential of PG1-TENG was demonstrated by powering up an LCD calculator and 480 LEDs.