Polyvinylpyrrolidone-Polycarbosilane Core-Shell Fibrous Membrane as an Advanced Material for Triboelectric Nanogenerators

Abstract

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have gained significant attention as alternative and sustainable power sources for self-powered and wearable electronics; however, developing advanced materials at the molecular and interfacial levels with high electrical output remains a critical challenge. Herein, we synthesize, for the first time, a novel polyvinylpyrrolidone/polycarbosilane hybrid core-shell fibrous membrane (PVP/PCS CS FM) using a single-nozzle electrospinning technique. The electrospinning of the PVP-PCS blend solution results in the formation of a core-shell morphology with numerous interconnected junctions within the fibers due to the vast molecular weight difference between the PVP and PCS polymers and solvent-driven phase separation. The PVP core provides electrospinnability and structural robustness, while the PCS shell enables dipole polarization, electron-donating capability, and surface roughness. Compared to pure PVP FM, the optimized PVP/PCS-2:1 CS FM shows a high dielectric constant, surface charge potential, and low work function values. Moreover, the homogeneous distribution of PCS over PVP FM leads to a noticeable increase in surface roughness, facilitating additional charge generation during the contact-separation process. These synergistic effects collectively contribute a significant increment in TENG performance, such as open-circuit voltage (Voc) and short-circuit current (Isc) by 1.76 and 1.63 times, respectively, compared to pure PVP FM. The obtained outcomes highlight a substantial breakthrough toward the exploration of new positive-charged materials for advancing TENG applications.