Harnessing Enhanced Tribo-Polarity via Dual-Sized, Highly Interconnected Electrospun CA-PVP Hybrid Membrane for High-Output TENGs

Environmentally benign cellulose fiber membranes have emerged as promising materials for triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) applications. However, they exhibit inherent dimensional instability and face several operational challenges. Herein, we report a mechanically robust electrospun hybrid membrane composed of cellulose acetate (CA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) that functions effectively as a tribo-positive layer in TENG. Microscopic analysis revealed dual-sized, linearly aligned thicker fibers and an interconnected network of thinner fiber morphologies upon blending with the 16 wt % CA and 6 wt % PVP (labeled as CP-6). The presence of PVP enhanced the polarity, whereas the interconnected fiber architecture of the hybrid membrane imparted a tensile strength of 10.30 MPa and thermal stability up to 450 °C. The TENG fabricated using the CP-6 layer and polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) counter layer exhibited an open-circuit voltage (V_OC) of 150 V, a current of 16.3 μA, and a peak power density of 1243 mW/m². The developed TENG based on the electrospun CA-PVP blend demonstrated remarkable flexibility, structural integrity, and mechanical and thermal stabilities. The device demonstrated multifunctionality by efficiently collecting energy, powering LEDs, and being employed as a touch sensor. Our method offers a simple way to produce cellulose-based hybrid electrospun membranes, ensuring, sustainability, scalability, sturdiness and durability for self-powered wearable sensor electronics.