Plasma jet printed AgNP electrodes for high-performance fabric TENGs and adaptive sensing applications

Akshaya Kumar Aliyana, Harikrishnan Muraleedharan Jalajamony, Soumadeep De, Satyaranjan Bairagi, Daniel M. Mulvihill, Renny Edwin Fernandez, George K. Stylios

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Printing nanoscale semiconducting and metallic materials onto fabrics at room temperature represents a significant advancement in the development of Fabric-based Triboelectric Nanogenerators (F-TENGs). However, achieving high-performance TENG active layers that are flexible, stable, durable, and adhere well to the substrate while maintaining room-temperature printing conditions remains a significant challenge. This study overcomes these challenges by using Plasma Jet Printing technology to fabricate advanced fabric electrodes for F-TENGs. We achieved high-quality F-TENG electrode layers by precisely depositing silver nanoparticle (AgNP) layers onto fabrics without requiring post-processing. This process based on Plasma Jet Printing employs a high electric field to eject AgNPs and plasma onto the fabric substrate, resulting in exceptional adhesion and precision, which are critical for enhancing the performance and durability of the electrodes, which surpasses that of traditional Ag-plated electrodes. The printed electrodes achieved a peak instantaneous voltage of 92 V and a current of 9.2 μA—both representing a twofold increase compared to their Ag-plated counterparts. Additionally, these electrodes exhibited an impressive power density of 2166 mW/m2. Furthermore, the study demonstrates the successful integration of the AgNPs-EcoFlex layer into an IoT-enabled adaptive touch and movement sensor system. This integration enables real-time processing, classification, and wireless transmission of touch and motion data, showcasing the potential of F-TENGs in advanced sensing applications. This study underscores the potential of Plasma Jet Printing as a transformative technology for fabricating high-performance, flexible, and durable electrodes for F-TENGs, offering a promising approach for efficient energy harvesting and sensing across a broad range of applications.
Original languageEnglish
Article number158791
JournalChemical Engineering Journal
Volume504
Early online date20 Dec 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Jan 2025

Keywords

  • Adaptive Sensors
  • Fabric Triboelectric Nanogenerator
  • Flexible electrodes
  • Microgravity Printing
  • Sustainable Energy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • General Chemical Engineering
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

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