Theoretical analysis of sensor properties of contact-separation mode nanogenerator-based sensors

Contact-separation mode nanogenerator-based sensors (CS-NGSs) have attracted much attention by taking advantage of self-powering, high-sensitivity, simple structure, and low cost. To design a better CS-NGS for practical application, a systematic analysis of the sensor properties for CS-NGSs was implemented in this work. The sensor properties including frequency response, sensitivity, linearity, and distortion were analyzed for CS-NGSs with different output signals such as open-circuit voltage, short-circuit transferred charge, short-circuit current, and load voltage. The influence of the structure parameters and the working conditions on these properties were discussed too. Simulation experiments were conducted for CS-NGSs under three typical application scenarios, and the results indicate that the Delta Q(SC)-type, the I-SC-type, and the V-L-type CS-NGSs have their own suitable application areas. The properties between the different output-type CS-NGSs are comprehensively compared. This work presents a systematic interpretation of the sensor properties of CS-NGSs and provides guidance for the design and optimization of CS-NGSs for specific applications.