Synergetic effect of interfacial polarization in room temperature cured PDMS-Graphite composite for triboelectric smart mat applications

Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) as an emerging energy technology has significantly broadened the self-powered sensor networks through sustainable mechanical energy harvesting and self-powered sensing capabilities. Triboelectric floor mats which can perform multitasks will be beneficial for smart home applications. So far the reported triboelectric mats are usually have, low performance materials, complex device fabrication and high cost of installation. Herein, an economic triboelectric smart-mat is developed for mechanical energy harvesting, human security, gait analysis, and intelligent house automation utilizing Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-Graphite composite fabricated by cost effective room temperature curing technique. The optimized high performance polymer composite delivers an enhanced transferred charge density of 28 nC/cm2 and smart mat using the material generates an impressive power density of 950 mW/m2. The study unveils the influence of surface charge polarization inside a dielectric-dielectric TENG and provides the first experimental proof of interfacial polarization in a PDMS-Graphite composite matrix to enhance the triboelectric effect. The triboelectric smart mat with the minimal design was utilized to power portable electronic devices and two mats were combined to perform intelligent automation of household equipment’s like lights and fans, allowing them to automatically turn on when a person enters the room and turn off when he depart.