Ionic Elastomer Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Higher Charge Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy harvesting technologies, such as electrostatic power generation, face challenges in efficiently converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, particularly in miniaturizing and increasing electric capacity for effective energy generation.
Innovation Solution
A triboelectric nanogenerator using an ionic elastomer with an ionic liquid, where an elastomer and an insulator with opposite charges are brought into contact and separated, forming electric double layers to generate electrical energy, with the ionic liquid concentration optimized between 5 to 15% by weight for enhanced output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional electrostatic power generation methods are used, then energy harvesting can be achieved, but conversion efficiency and electric capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials including ionic elastomer (combining elastomer and ionic liquid), charged insulator materials, and conductive electrodes to create a triboelectric nanogenerator that achieves both high conversion efficiency and increased electric capacity through the synergistic properties of the composite structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes parameters such as ionic liquid concentration (5-15% by weight), layer thicknesses, and material selection to maximize both power output and electric capacity, demonstrating that parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between conversion efficiency and energy storage capacity
2Volume of moving object
If device size is reduced for miniaturization, then portability improves, but output energy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin-film structures for electrodes and ionic elastomer layers, enabling miniaturization while maintaining high surface area to volume ratio that preserves triboelectric charge generation efficiency in compact form factors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates scaled-down versions of the triboelectric nanogenerator that replicate the charge separation mechanism at smaller dimensions, allowing miniaturization without proportional loss in output energy through self-similar structural design
3Power
If ionic liquid concentration in elastomer is increased, then electrical output increases, but material stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent identifies and optimizes the ionic liquid concentration parameter within the 5-15% by weight range, where sufficient ionic content is provided to generate high electrical output while maintaining adequate material stability and mechanical properties of the elastomer matrix
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The triboelectric nanogenerator effectively increases electrical output proportional to applied pressure, enabling pressure sensing and power generation, with the voltage output measurable, thus improving energy harvesting efficiency and potential for miniaturization.
Implementation Method 1
energy is generated by friction. That is, unlike conventional eco-friendly energy generation methods such as power generation using a solar cell, hydropower, and wind power, in electrostatic power generation, microscopic vibrations generated in surrounding environments or consumable mechanical energy generated during operation may be converted into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
an ionic elastomer disposed on the first electrode and including an elastomer and an ionic liquid... electrical energy is generated between the first and second electrodes when the ionic elastomer and the insulator are brought into contact with each other and separated from each other
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an triboelectric nanogenerator using an ionic elastomer that increases internal electric capacity and allows a large amount of electric charge to be located on a surface to generate a large amount of electrical energy. The triboelectric nanogenerator according to the present invention includes a first electrode; an ionic elastomer disposed on the first electrode and including an elastomer and an ionic liquid; a second electrode disposed to be spaced apart from the first electrode and electrically connected to the first electrode; and an insulator disposed under the second electrode, selectively contacting the ionic elastomer, and formed of a material that has a negative charge compared to the ionic elastomer. In this case, the ionic elastomer and the insulator are brought into contact with each other or are separated from each other by external force, and electrical energy is generated between the first and second electrodes when the ionic elastomer and the insulator are brought into contact with each other and separated from each other.