Enhanced output performance of graphene oxide based triboelectric nanogenerators via plasmon coupling

Graphene Oxide and its derivatives continue to attract the attention of materials scientists in view of their diverse applications. In this paper, we describe the potential of graphene oxide decorated with silver nanoparticles (GOAgNPs) in energy harvesting, a study inspired by the synergistic effects of surface functionalization of GO with metal nanoparticles. Here, we investigate the triboelectric properties of the composite by constructing the prototype of a free standing nanogenerator with the aid of GO-AgNP based paper and Teflon fabric. Studies using this protype is seen to yield a peak output power of 40 & mu;W for a voltage of 0.2 V, which could be used for the development of sensors. According to the morphological and optical investigations done on GO and GO-AgNPs, the increased output voltage is caused by nanoparticle plasmon coupling on the GO surface.