Sucrose assisted chemical-free synthesis of rGO for triboelectric nanogenerator: Green energy source for smart-water dispenser

Nowadays, the entire world is interconnected with millions of sensor networks, and powering such numerous sensors requires uninterrupted, reliable next-generation green energy sources. Herein, an economical, novel nanocomposite-based triboelectric nanogenerator (NC-TENG) is designed using reduced graphene oxide (rGO), synthesized through a simple, chemical-free one-step method in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) matrix. The NC-TENG with different rGO filler quantities is fabricated and characterized for structural, surface, and electrical prop-erties. The NC-TENG with 0.2 g (0.79 wt%) of rGO generated maximum open circuit voltage, short circuit current, and power. The humidity-related study revealed the sensitivity behavior of the device in the relative humidity range of 60-100%. Further, the NC-TENG shows battery-free applications demonstrated through charging commercial capacitors, powering LEDs, and a digital watch. Also, the device is employed as a self -powered active sensor to convey the English alphabet and numerals in terms of Morse code. In addition, NC-TENG is integrated with the Arduino controller board to work as a smart-water dispenser. Thus, this work will serve as a comprehensive pathway for the fabrication of NC-TENG utilizing green synthesized rGO nano -fillers in PVC matrix as a synergistic material, which find potential application as a flexible, self-powered multipurpose smart sensor.