Ultrasoft and cuttable paper-based triboelectric nanogenerators for mechanical energy harvesting

When portability, low cost, and green energy requirements are considered, the search for an electricity generator harvesting environmental energy based on available cheap commercial materials and simple fabrication techniques becomes significantly important. In this study, the capability of ultrasoft and cuttable paper-based triboelectric nanogenerator (P-TENG) to harvest mechanical energy is demonstrated. The P-TENG maintains the excellent softness of tissue paper and has the characteristics of light weight (~ 87 g/m2), high electric conductivity (6 Ω/square), and low cost (~ $3.00/m2). More importantly, the P-TENG can be cut by the end-user to modify its size and shape and still function properly. The mechanical energies available during cleaning processes, the energy associated with the body's motion, sound energy, and wind energy can be directly harvested by using the P-TENG. The high portability of the P-TENG, the simple and scalable fabrication processes, low cost, and its ability to harvest mechanical energy make the P-TENG important for the development of green, portable, energy-harvesting devices.