
NSF Org: |
CMMI Division of Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation |
Recipient: |
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Initial Amendment Date: | August 3, 2017 |
Latest Amendment Date: | August 3, 2017 |
Award Number: | 1662925 |
Award Instrument: | Standard Grant |
Program Manager: |
Marcello Canova
mcanova@nsf.gov (703)292-2576 CMMI Division of Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation ENG Directorate for Engineering |
Start Date: | August 15, 2017 |
End Date: | July 31, 2022 (Estimated) |
Total Intended Award Amount: | $293,229.00 |
Total Awarded Amount to Date: | $293,229.00 |
Funds Obligated to Date: |
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History of Investigator: |
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Recipient Sponsored Research Office: |
2550 NORTHWESTERN AVE # 1100 WEST LAFAYETTE IN US 47906-1332 (765)494-1055 |
Sponsor Congressional District: |
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Primary Place of Performance: |
West Lafayette IN US 47907-2114 |
Primary Place of
Performance Congressional District: |
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Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): |
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Parent UEI: |
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NSF Program(s): | Dynamics, Control and System D |
Primary Program Source: |
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Program Reference Code(s): |
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Program Element Code(s): |
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Award Agency Code: | 4900 |
Fund Agency Code: | 4900 |
Assistance Listing Number(s): | 47.041 |
ABSTRACT
Triboelectricity is due to contact electrification, a phenomenon that occurs when nearly any combination of metal (conductor), semiconductor, or dielectric (insulator) materials come into contact. Previously, devices that utilize this principle were developed without understanding the fundamental mechanisms behind triboelectricity. The objective of this project is to fill in the knowledge gap about the true nature of triboelectricity through a combination of analytical models and experimental analysis. Potential transformative uses of this technology are to provide power sources to sensors and devices used in smart or intelligent packaging. Pharmaceutical packaging is predicted to be the fastest growing intelligent packaging market, with opportunities driven by the health care needs of the aging US population. Additionally, it is estimated that US businesses lose up to $250 billion of profit due to the counterfeit drug trade each year. "Smart" packaging solutions include printed electronics, smart labels capable of illumination, temperature and humidity indicators, and radio frequency identification tags used for tracking and quick package identification. In addition, there is an array of sensors that can record forces in the distribution environment. These devices share a need of power. The project also includes educational outreach activities in the form of interactive games based on triboelectric devices to engage K-12 students and to target under-represented minorities into pursuing a graduate degree in a science and technology and engineering and mathematics field.
The specific objectives of this project are to: develop predictive models of the molecular scale mechanism of charge transfer due to the contact electrification process, model the interplay of the macro and microscale properties of the device that effect its performance, study the effect of environmental conditions on the performance of these devices, and formulate multidimensional analytical models on the macroscopic behavior of flexible triboelectric generators that incorporate environmental effects, and microscale effects such as surface topography, local charge distribution, and real area of contact. The outcomes of this research will culminate in a test bed concept of a triboelectric foam composite to be utilized in smart packaging for concurrent energy scavenging and vibration suppression. The methodology in this project establishes a new paradigm on the design of triboelectric devices and marks the first systematic attempt to understand the behavior of triboelectric generators / sensors at multiple spatial scales. The insights gained from this research will culminate in system level understanding of these devices that will lead to a triboelectric genome of dielectric materials, surface treatments and textures, and elastic coupling elements to design a triboelectric device for a specific objective, whether it be sensing, energy scavenging or as an input to electronic devices. The project will also result in quantification of environmental condition on triboelectric devices, and phenomenologically modeling their effect.
PUBLICATIONS PRODUCED AS A RESULT OF THIS RESEARCH
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PROJECT OUTCOMES REPORT
Disclaimer
This Project Outcomes Report for the General Public is displayed verbatim as submitted by the Principal Investigator (PI) for this award. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this Report are those of the PI and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation; NSF has not approved or endorsed its content.
Overview
This research aimed to deepen the understanding of triboelectric devices, which generate electrical charge through contact and separation of materials. These devices have potential applications in energy harvesting, self-powered sensors, and smart materials. The project explored fundamental charge transfer mechanisms at the molecular, micro, and macro scales, uncovering new insights into how environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, and gas breakdown influence device performance.
One of the key discoveries was the significant impact of gas breakdown—a phenomenon in which air limits charge accumulation—on the efficiency of triboelectric devices. This led to a shift in focus toward studying charge transfer in vacuum conditions, allowing for a clearer understanding of triboelectric behavior in real-world applications.
Key Findings & Contributions
A major outcome of this research was the experimental confirmation that triboelectric charge transfer in insulating materials follows Paschen-like behavior, a principle governing electrical discharge between surfaces in gaseous environments. By developing an electrode-free method to measure charge transfer, this work enabled a more precise examination of gas breakdown effects in triboelectric materials, overcoming previous limitations in direct voltage measurements.
To facilitate these studies, a custom vacuum chamber and experimental apparatus were designed to control pressure conditions and analyze charge transfer mechanisms systematically. This setup provided insights into how charge accumulates and dissipates under varying environmental conditions, leading to new methodologies for studying surface charge evolution in triboelectric systems.
Additionally, this research contributed to the development of self-powered mechanical metamaterials that integrate triboelectric nanogenerators within structural materials. These materials can detect and respond to vibrations, mechanical loads, and shocks while simultaneously generating power, presenting opportunities for wearable electronics, smart textiles, and autonomous sensor applications.
Broader Impacts
This project has expanded knowledge in triboelectric charge transfer and inspired new applications in energy harvesting technologies and electrostatic charge management. The findings have implications for engineering disciplines where charge accumulation and dissipation play a critical role. Discussions with industry professionals have explored how the charge transfer insights gained in this research could be applied in settings where electrostatic discharge is a concern, such as high-altitude environments and controlled atmospheric systems. Furthermore, the experimental methods developed in this project are being considered for use in evaluating electrostatic interactions in dust mitigation strategies for extreme environments, where charge accumulation influences surface interactions.
The project also provided extensive research training and development opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students. Several students contributed to experimental design, data analysis, and the fabrication of triboelectric devices. A doctoral dissertation on air breakdown in contact electrification was completed as part of this research, and the results were disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, and invited talks at various academic and industry forums.
To extend the reach of this work beyond the research community, triboelectric demonstration kits were developed, allowing students and educators to explore energy generation concepts through hands-on experiments. These materials were used in educational outreach activities designed to engage students with practical applications of physics and engineering. Additionally, concepts from this research were incorporated into advanced coursework in nonlinear dynamics and smart materials, providing students with real-world modeling and analysis experiences.
Conclusion
This project has significantly enhanced the scientific understanding of triboelectric charge transfer while contributing to the advancement of materials and energy-harvesting technologies. The insights gained from this research will help guide future innovations in wearable electronics, charge-driven sensing applications, and electrostatic management in engineered systems. The experimental methods and testing apparatus developed as part of this work will continue to serve as valuable tools for further investigation into triboelectric energy conversion and charge transport phenomena.
Last Modified: 02/19/2025
Modified by: James Michael Gibert
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