Evaluation of performance limitations and fabrication challenges of natural material derived triboelectric nanogenerators

Ajani Lakmini Jayarathna J․A․; Geoffrey Will; Wayde N. Martens; Stuart Bell

doi:10.1016/j.rineng.2026.112734

Back

Evaluation of performance limitations and fabrication challenges of natural material derived triboelectric nanogenerators

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Evaluation of performance limitations and fabrication challenges of natural material derived triboelectric nanogenerators

Ajani Lakmini Jayarathna J․A․, Geoffrey Will, Wayde N. Martens and Stuart Bell

Results in Engineering, Vol.32, pp.1-12

2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2026.112734

Files and links (1)

pdf

Evaluation of performance limitations and fabrication challenges of natural material derived triboelectric nanogenerators10.04 MBDownload View

Published Version Open Access CC BY V4.0

Abstract

Fabrication challenges

Mechanical testing system

Performance limitations

Triboelectric nanogenerators

Effective research and development of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) require standardised device design and fabrication methods with proper mechanical/electrical testing protocols for consistent performance evaluation and comparison across devices. Conventional methods, such as hand tapping/human induced motions, introduce uncontrolled variations that lead to inconsistent and often exaggerated electrical outputs. This work presents TENG performance analysis using a fatigue capable Mechanical Testing System, enabling precise control of applied force, displacement, frequency and input waveforms. As a proof-of-concept, a sustainable TENG was fabricated using orange peel powder as the triboelectric layer to replicate a natural material based TENG in recent literature. Under controlled conditions, the device exhibited a stable open-circuit voltage (Voc) of approximately 8 V (mean relative error of 1.13%) and an electrical power of 28 nW, in contrast to the highly variable 88 V and 155 V measured under finger and hand tapping, respectively. This noticeable difference between controlled and non-controlled Voc led to a detailed evaluation of performance limitations with respect to device design and fabrication, mechanical/electrical testing methods, and environmental factors. This work presents an experimental power analysis method that enables performance comparison of TENG devices among different TENG laboratories, which seems difficult nowadays due to performance limitations. Furthermore, this work pinpoints practical measures to improve device performance by addressing key fabrication, mechanical/electrical testing and environmental challenges, as future device testing requires rigorous analysis including TENG material modifications with improved hydrophobic capability to withstand different environmental conditions.

Details

Title: Evaluation of performance limitations and fabrication challenges of natural material derived triboelectric nanogenerators
Authors: Ajani Lakmini Jayarathna J․A․ (Corresponding Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Geoffrey Will - University of the Sunshine Coast
Wayde N. Martens - Queensland University of Technology
Stuart Bell - Queensland University of Technology
Publication details: Results in Engineering, Vol.32, pp.1-12
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date published: 2026
DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2026.112734
ISSN: 2590-1230
Data Availability: Original data will be made available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request due to their large size.
Grant note: ALJ gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided through the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Postgraduate Research Award and the QUT HDR Tuition Fee Sponsorship.
Organisation Unit: School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991266493402621
Output Type: Journal article

Metrics

1 Record Views