Nano-Ripple ZnO-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Applications in Self-Powered Ultraviolet Detector
Ultraviolet (UV) detectors have a wide range of commercial applications. However, most UV light detectors require an external power source, which limits their applications as portable and/or wearable electronics. In this work, a self-powered UV detector based on triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) technology is demonstrated. Nano-ripple zinc oxide (ZnO) film acting as both UV-sensitive and triboelectric material was synthesized by a simple sol–gel method. The self-powered UV sensor detected UV irradiation without an external power source. The open-circuit voltage of the device under UV irradiation was 130 V, which was 2.3 times higher than the output of the device in the dark. Possible operating mechanisms of the device, which is based on the contact electrification process, are described.