Study of energy harvesting from conductive cement nanocomposites using a triboelectric nanogenerator

This study presents the systematic optimization and validation of a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) designed for practical application by addressing two key challenges: balancing mechanical strength with electrical conductivity and establishing system-level validation. Carbon black (CB), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and carbon fibers (CFs) were incorporated at varying contents to determine the optimal composition. Incorporation of 0.5 vol.% CNT yielded the optimal performance, achieving stable conductivity without compromising mechanical strength. Based on this optimized cement-based composite (CBC), a TENG system was fabricated consisting of a CBC electrode, a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) contact layer, and a nylon counter layer, which generated the highest average peak voltage of 22.4 V. Output performance was evaluated under different loads, excitation frequencies, and contact areas, with the device delivering a peak power of 3.364 μW at an optimal load resistance of 40 MΩ. Practical feasibility was demonstrated by powering a low-power electronic device. These findings highlight an optimized CBC-TENG design that integrates structural integrity with efficient energy harvesting, advancing the readiness of cement-based self-powered systems and offering a viable pathway for its integration into sustainable civil infrastructure. • Systematic optimization and experimental validation of a cement-based composite triboelectric nanogenerator (CBC-TENG). • Identification of 0.5 vol.% multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as the optimal conductive filler balancing conductivity and mechanical strength. • Optimized TENG configuration, such as CBC electrode, PDMS contact, and nylon counter layers, achieving 22.4 V output and 3.364 μW peak power. • Demonstration of stable output performance and successful powering of low-power electronic devices. • Viable pathway toward practical implementation of self-powered, sustainable civil infrastructure systems.