Wear and triboelectric performance of polymers with non-polar lubricants

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) convert kinetic energy into electrical energy based on triboelectrification and electrostatic induction. There are many benefits to TENGs, such as inexpensiveness, processability, and high applicability. However, friction and wear, in solid–solid contact TENGs, affect their lifespans. In this study, we evaluated the tribological behavior and electrical output of polymers in TENG systems with non-polar lubricants reducing friction and wear. The lubricant-dependent tribological behavior of polymers was influenced by the viscosity of lubricants and the wetting and mechanical characteristics of polymers. Furthermore, the electrical outputs of lubricant-based TENG system were improved and powered the electronic device. The comprehensive analysis on tribological behavior of lubricant-based TENGs in this study contributes to promote the reliability of lubricant-based TENG system.