Influence of Laser Texturing on Contact–Separation and Sliding-Mode Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Vibration Sensing

Abstract

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are emerging as remarkably versatile devices functioning as energy harvester and vibration sensors, which can harvest electrical energy from waste mechanical energy. This study investigates the effect of laser texturing on the performance of Contact–Separation TENG (CS-TENG) and Sliding TENG (S-TENG) devices. Laser texturing was performed using a 532 nm wavelength Nd3+YAG-pulsed laser, with different spot overlap percentages to optimize the surface morphology for maximum enhancement TENG output. It was observed that laser texturing significantly enhanced the electrical output, due to increased surface roughness and surface charge density. The CS-TENG and S-TENG achieved 35% and 59% enhancement, respectively, in open-circuit voltage and 34% and 38% enhancement, in short-circuit current, Furthermore, for laser-textured S-TENG, the effect of the orientation of laser textures relative to the sliding direction was investigated. The laser-textured S-TENG was tested with textures parallel, inclined, and perpendicular to the sliding direction. The parallel orientation shows maximum enhancement compared to the other orientations, due to increase in effective area of contact for triboelectrification. To confirm its potential as vibration sensor, the laser-textured S-TENG was mounted on an air compressor, and the S-TENG was able to detect the working condition of the air compressor. © ASM International 2025.