The significant role of CNT-ZnO core-shell nanostructures in the development of FDM-based 3D-printed triboelectric nanogenerators

A recent innovation in energy resource consumption has propelled the implementation of a green energy source in the form of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). The combination of 3D printing with TENG has generated larger ripples in the field of energy storage and distributed power supply technology. The current research focusses on developing fused deposition modeling (FDM)-based TENG devices using feedstock materials such as polylactic acid (PLA) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene as tribopositive and tribonegative layers, respectively. This study emphasizes on the role of carbon nanotube-zinc oxide (ZnO) core-shell nanostructures reinforced into PLA by examining their impact on the final TENG output voltage. The presence of carbon nanotube -zinc oxide core shell (CNS) has enhanced the TENG output voltage (Voc) from 1 V to 8 V. Furthermore, FDM 3D printing parameters such as filling rate (%), layer thickness, and printing patterns have engaging influence on Voc. Our research identifies PLA/CNS layers comprising 20% filling rate as having a layer thickness of 0.1 mm, and a donut pattern obtaining the highest Voc (8.9 V). The reinforcement of CNS into PLA has also augmented its comprehensive properties including tensile strength and electrical conductivity. This research paves a path towards innovative fabrication strategies for TENG devices towards next generation portable electronic devices using FDM 3D printers.