Solid-Liquid Triboelectric Effect for Distinguishing Molecular Features in Organic Compounds

The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is a versatile platform for energy harvesting and sensing, enabling the conversion of mechanical energy into electrical signals through the triboelectric effect. This effect occurs when two materials contact and then separate, facilitating charge transfer and electricity generation. Beyond powering small devices, TENGs are utilized in wearable electronics, environmental monitoring, and health diagnostics. Building on the principles of TENG, this study explores solid-liquid triboelectric interactions for differentiating organic molecules. Compounds with benzene rings are incorporated into polystyrene (PS) films to create functionalized layers. When these films come into contact and separate from liquid, they generate electrical signals that vary depending on the molecular structure and functional groups of the incorporated compounds. These unique outputs demonstrate the potential of triboelectric techniques for reliably distinguishing molecular features. This approach offers simplified sample preparation, real-time monitoring, and insights into chemical reactions, including their progress and intermediate stages. While incorporating organic compounds into PS films may alter the films’ properties, the technique remains a promising tool for qualitative analysis without additional labeling. Applications include environmental monitoring, where identifying organic pollutants is crucial, and tracking chemical reaction dynamics for research and practical purposes. Although this work is in its early stages, triboelectric techniques could revolutionize molecular detection by providing a cost-effective, scalable, and user-friendly alternative to conventional methods, broadening the scope of TENG technology into advanced chemical sensing and analysis.