Polysaccharide-Enriched Natural Gum Based Polymer Biocomposites as Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Enhanced Power Generation
Yashaswini Veeranapura Lokesh, M. Prabhuswamy, Rumana Farheen Sagade Mukthar, Kavya Rajanna, Bhagyashree Mahesha Sachith, Sangamesha Madanahalli Ankanathappa, S. Krishnaveni, B. S. Madhukar
Abstract
The utilization of plant derived gum materials has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance the performance and sustainability of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). In this study, a biodegradable poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix was blended with natural gums (NGs) like almond gum (AG) and guar gum (GG) to fabricate NG@PVA based TENGs for efficient mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion. The incorporation of these NGs significantly improved the triboelectric output, with AG@PVA and GG@PVA TENGs exhibiting a 6 times higher voltage and 28 times higher current compared to pristine PVA-based TENGs. Notably, the GG@PVA TENG achieved a maximum output power of 657 W/m 2 . Comprehensive characterization techniques, including SEM, AFM, EDAX, and FTIR, were employed to analyze the surface morphology, elemental distribution, and chemical interactions within the composites. Electrical performance and long-term operational stability of the fabricated TENGs were also systematically evaluated. The harvested energy from the NG@PVA TENG was successfully used to charge commercial capacitors, run a digital timer, and power up to 100 LEDs, demonstrating its practical applicability. Furthermore, the TENG was integrated into a self-powered sensor platform capable of real-time animal monitoring, specifically for tracking and counting cattle entering a farm. This research highlights the potential of combining eco-friendly natural gum materials with TENG technology to develop cost-effective, high-performance, and environmentally sustainable energy harvesting and sensing systems.