Transformative Nanofiber-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator: Incorporating Recycled Polystyrene and Dual Nanoparticle Doping for Enhanced Energy Harvesting

Author

• Andrea Karely Quezada, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

5-1-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Chemistry

First Advisor

Mohammed Uddin

Second Advisor

Wei Lin

Third Advisor

Arnulfo Mar

Abstract

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have emerged as a promising solution for sustainable energy harvesting, by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy through contact electrification and electrostatic induction effect. The study focuses on the development of a nanofiber-based TENG device, fabricating nanofibers from recycled expanded polystyrene (PS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the main triboelectric materials, aiming for optimizing performance through nanoparticle doping.

Polymer matrices and nanoparticle doping are investigated to optimize physical and triboelectric properties and energy output of the device. Appropriate polymer composites address challenges such as hydrophilicity of polymers and introduce electrochemical properties that enhance energy-harvesting capabilities. Nanofibers fabrication via electrospinning technique is followed by comprehensive morphological and chemical characterization using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, surface contact angle measurements, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electrical performance of the TENG cells is also evaluated to assess nanoparticles doping effects. These findings could contribute to the development of lightweight, high-performance TENGs for applications such as renewable energy, and environmental monitoring.

Comments

Copyright 2026 Andrea Karely Quezada. All Rights Reserved. https://proquest.com/docview/3371133302

Recommended Citation

Quezada, A. K. (2026). Transformative Nanofiber-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator: Incorporating Recycled Polystyrene and Dual Nanoparticle Doping for Enhanced Energy Harvesting [Master's thesis, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley]. ScholarWorks @ UTRGV. https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/1929