Molecularly designed cellulose materials for triboelectric applications

Cellulose films possesses favorable triboelectric properties otherwise only found in synthetic, oil-based polymer materials. This can open up entirely new possibilities within the area of internet-of-things (IoT), which is expected to grow significantly in the coming decades. Cheap and sustainable sensor devices based on renewable, self-electrified systems without the need of batteries, self-powered by insignificant mechanical movements like vibrations, are foreseen. By combining competences in cellulose and material engineering, physics and electronics, we will outline the inherent potential of regenerated cellulose and develop it further. In our first targeted application, we will investigate regenerated cellulose for use in triboelectric generators (TENG).