Simple triboelectric generator applied on macro-sized surface patterns and test-bed device to control humidity

This paper proposes a simple manufacturing process to produce a low-cost triboelectric generator. The triboelectric effect is producing electricity by applying friction force onto a film which is composed of two different materials. The triboelectric generators are usually manufactured with micro or nano-scaled patterns to maximize the friction area. However, it requires a costly and complex manufacturing process, which causes the generator to be impractical for actual applications. In contrast, this research can manufacture a triboelectric generator using a simple mold to cut down the manufacturing cost. Through the controlled experiments, the designed film is shown to produce an impulse voltage as high as 25.5 volts.