Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) based on organic materials can harvest green energy to convert it into electrical energy. These nanogenerators could be used for Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices, substituting solid-state chemical batteries that have toxic materials and limited-service time. Herein, we develop a portable triboelectric nanogenerator based on dehydrated nopal powder (NOP-TENG) as novel triboelectric material. In addition, this nanogenerator uses a polyimide film tape adhered to two copper-coated Bakelite plates. The NOP-TENG generates a power density of 2309.98 μW·m-2 with a load resistance of 76.89 MΩ by applying a hand force on its outer surface. Furthermore, the nanogenerator shows a power density of 556.72 μW·m-2 with a load resistance of 76.89 MΩ and under 4g acceleration at 15 Hz. The output voltage of the NOP-TENG depicts a stable output performance even after 27,000 operation cycles. This nanogenerator can light eighteen green commercial LEDs and power a digital calculator. The proposed NOP-TENG has a simple structure, easy manufacturing process, stable electric behavior, and cost-effective output performance. This portable nanogenerator may power electronic devices using different vibration energy sources.
Keywords: dehydrated nopal powder; energy harvesting; green energy; triboelectric nanogenerator; vibrations.