Metal-Free, Bio-Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on a Single Electrode of Bacterial Cellulose Modified with Carbon Black
Andre L. Freire, Laís R. Lima, Iuri Custodio Montes Candido, Luygui G. Silva, Sidney J. L. Ribeiro, Emanuel Carrilho, Thaís Larré Oliveira, Luiz Fernando Cappa de Oliveira, Hernane da Silva Barud, Helinando Pequeno de Oliveira
Abstract
Developing metal-free electrodes for prototypes of bio-based devices is an essential step in producing non-toxic components for implantable devices and wearables. In particular, the advancement in self-powered devices is a hot topic for several applications due to the possibility of creating free-battery devices and sensors. In this paper, the modification of bacterial cellulose by the progressive incorporation of carbon black (a conductive filler) was explored as a prototype for bio-based electrodes for triboelectric nanogenerators. This process was controlled by the percolation pathways’ activation through the contact of carbon black grains with the bacterial cellulose membrane, which represents a critical step in the overall process of optimization in the power output performance, reaching an open circuit voltage value of 102.3 V, short circuit current of 2 μA, and power density of 4.89 μW/cm2.