Fabrication and output performance of triboelectric nanogenerator from helical structure of biodegradable polylactic acid by 3D printing

In this study, a helical triboelectric nanogenerator (H-TENG) based on the helical structure of biodegradable polylactic acid was designed using 3D printing technology to achieve energy acquisition. When the H-TENG is pressed rhythmically with one hand, the output open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current and charge transfer density can reach 395 V, 28 mu A and 36 mu C/m2 respectively, which can light 300 LEDs in series. By connecting a simple rectifier and selecting a suitable capacitor, the H-TENG can independently and stably power portable electronic products, such as digital watches and calculators. Especially, as an electronic switch, the device enabled a high current amplification through the Darlington transistor circuit. These results demonstrated the potential applications of the H-TENG in biomechanical energy collection, sensing and human-machine interaction.