Hwang, Synthesized in Polymer Form
Professor Jeongjae Wi's research team at the Department of Organic Nano Engineering, Hanyang University, has developed a triboelectric device with excellent durability. Triboelectric generation is an eco-friendly energy technology that utilizes electrical energy generated by friction between different materials.
Wijeongjae (from left in the photo) · Taehee Han, Professor of Organic Nano Engineering at Hanyang University, Minbaek Lee, Professor of Physics at Inha University.
Hanyang University announced that Professor Wi's research team successfully synthesized a high-performance sulfur-rich polymer using elemental sulfur waste generated during the petroleum refining process, and compounded it with maxine, a next-generation secondary material, to create a sustainable power generation device.
Currently, the most efficient triboelectric generation devices primarily use fluoropolymer components, which are known to have harmful effects on ecosystems and human health.
To address this issue, the research team focused on sulfur, which is produced in surplus at about 7 million tons annually during the petroleum refining process. They synthesized sulfur into a stable polymer form and then fabricated a new triboelectric generation device using this polymer as the material.
A representative of the research team stated, "In this study, we uniformly coated maxine on the surface of the sulfur-rich polymer and produced a composite material through hot pressing, achieving a power density more than eight times higher than existing triboelectric generation materials. Even after repeated regrinding, the mechanical properties and power generation performance did not significantly decrease, demonstrating recyclability."
The results of the research were published on the 7th in the international journal of materials engineering, Advanced Materials.
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