The ternary nanocomposite g-C3N4/TiO2@polyaniline embedded in PVDF based triboelectric nanogenerator for energy harvesting

Oct 18, 2026

Uploaded by Elsa

A materials-engineering strategy improves triboelectric nanogenerator performance by embedding a ternary g-C₃N₄/TiO₂@polyaniline (GTP) nanocomposite into PVDF tribopositive electrodes and pairing it with PTFE tribonegative layers whose composition is varied from 30 to 60 wt%. XPS, TEM, FESEM/EDX, UV–Vis, and DSC verify TiO₂ distribution on g-C₃N₄, interconnection via a conducting PANI network, interfacial Ti–O–C/Ti–N bonding, Ti3+ defect states, and Urbach energy EU=0.31 eV. In vertical contact–separation mode, optimal tradeoffs emerge: 30 wt% PTFE gives the highest Isc=2.86 μA and Pmax=10.3 μW, while 60 wt% PTFE provides the maximum Voc=4.56 V. Results show voltage–current tunability through interfacial state engineering and controlled PTFE-layer composition, with validated repeatability under tapping via cycle-resolved statistics.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages21

Reading Time53 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Triboelectric nanogenerators and working principles

Role of electrode and polymer materials

Materials and design strategy

PVDF as host polymer and GTP filler

PTFE tribonegative layer composition

Characterization methods

Chemical, structural, and optical analysis

Device performance and optimization

Vertical contact–separation results

Tradeoff between Isc and Voc

Repeatability and stability

Cycle-resolved statistical validation

[www. nature.com/scientificreports](www. nature.com/scientificreports) OPEN The ternary nanocomposite g-C 3 N4/ TiO @polyaniline embedded 2 in PVDF based triboelectric nanogenerator for energy harvesting Ashok Kumar Swami1, Nelapati Avinash2 & Deepak Verma1􀀍 We report a materials-engineering strategy to enhance triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) output by embedding a ternary g-C₃N₄/TiO₂ @polyaniline (GTP) nanocomposite into PVDF tribopositive electrodes and pairing them with PTFE tribonegative layers of systematically varied composition from 30 to 60 wt%). XPS, TEM, FESEM/EDX, UV–Vis, and DSC confirm that TiO₂ nanoparticles are well distributed on g-C₃N₄ nanosheets and interconnected through a conducting PANI network, with evidence of interfacial Ti–O–C/Ti–N bonding, Ti3⁺ associated defect states, and band-tail absorption (Urbach energy, EU = 0.31 eV), indicating localized electronic states that support charge storage/ transfer.” In vertical contact–separation mode, the devices exhibit a composition-dependent tradeoff: the 30 wt% PTFE configuration delivers the highest short-circuit current (Isc = 2.86 μA) and peak power (Pmax = 10.3 μW), whereas the 60 wt% PTFE device yields the maximum open-circuit voltage (Voc = 4.56 V). These results demonstrate that voltage–current characteristics can be tuned through interfacial state engineering and controlled adjustment of the tribonegative layer composition. To confirm repeatability and stability under manual tapping, the best-performing 30 wt% and 60 wt% devices has been validated using an automated cycle-resolved statistical analysis. Keywords Ternary nanocomposite, g-C3N4/TiO2@PANI, Triboelectric nanogenerator, PVDF based TENG. PVDF/PTFE TENG Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), which transform mechanical energy such as that found in motion, vibration, and human activity into electrical energy, have become a particularly appealing option for lowpower electronics due to their straightforward device architectures, wide range of materials, environmental friendliness, high instantaneous power density, and inexpensive manufacturing methods, and ability to deliver a significant electrical output appropriate for powering sensors and low-energy devices. The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), an effective device that can transform mechanical stimulation into electrical output, was initially developed by Z. L. Wang1 and his team in 20122. The triboelectric nanogenerator works on triboelectrification and that is the combined effect of contact electrification and electrostatic induction. The process of bringing two distinct electron affinities of triboelectric materials into physical contact either by pressing, sliding, or separating is known as triboelectrification. Both electrodes separate when the external force is released, causing the potential to drop suddenly. Electrons move between the electrodes to counterbalance this, completing the half-cycle of the TENG’s AC output. This process repeatedly occurs and provide positive and negative output voltage and current. The current output ofTENG device is called displacement current3. The output performance of TENG device critically depend on surface functionalization, interfacial charge trapping and transport, and the dielectric and mechanical properties of the contacting layers4,5. TENG performance and stability can therefore be enhanced by designing materials that increase charge creation, inhibit recombination, and optimize charge extraction. Most commonly utilized polymer materials include conducting polymers like polyaniline (PANI) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), water-soluble/processible polymers like polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and electroactive and dielectric polymers like poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), 1School of Nano Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Kundhela, Gujarat 391107, India. 2School of Sciences, Woxsen University, Hyderabad, Telangana 502, India. 􀀍 email:

FAQs

How does embedding the GTP nanocomposite into PVDF improve TENG output?

Embedding the ternary g-C₃N₄/TiO₂@polyaniline (GTP) nanocomposite enhances charge storage/transfer by creating a conducting PANI network and interfacial Ti–O–C/Ti–N bonding, supported by Ti3+ defect states and localized electronic states.

Why does changing the PTFE composition alter Isc and Voc differently?

The devices show a composition-dependent tradeoff in vertical contact–separation mode: lower PTFE content (30 wt%) maximizes short-circuit current and peak power, while higher PTFE content (60 wt%) maximizes open-circuit voltage.

Which tests confirm the interfacial structure and electronic features?

XPS, TEM, FESEM/EDX, UV–Vis, and DSC are used to confirm TiO₂ distribution on g-C₃N₄, interconnection through the conducting PANI network, Ti–O–C/Ti–N bonding, Ti3+ defect states, and Urbach energy EU=0.31 eV.

Oct 18, 2026

Uploaded by Elsa