Field-view theoretical model of triboelectric nanogenerators based on Laplace's equations

Abstract

Further investigation of theoretical models is essential to physically understand triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) and then promote their extensive applications. Theoretical approaches in the existing studies mainly focus on establishing equivalent circuits, which provide a rapid analysis method but with relatively low precision. Therefore, we propose a field-view model to theoretically analyze the physical mechanism of TENGs, which reveals high efficiency and great accuracy. After the comprehensive study, it is determined that the dynamic behavior of TENGs in a single approaching/separating cycle could be regarded as a time series of electrostatic equilibrium problems. Thus, based on Laplace's equations and potential boundary conditions, a definite-solution-problem model is developed, which could provide explicit mathematical expressions to ultra-precisely predict the electrical characteristics of TENG.