A triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), which harvests ubiquitous ambient mechanical energy, is a promising power source for distributed energy. Recently reported new generation direct current TENG (DC-TENG) based on the air breakdown effect exhibits unique advantages over conventional modes of TENG devices, such as free-of-rectification and intrinsic switching behavior. However, owing to different working mechanisms and output characteristics, existing theory and power management strategies are not suitable for in-depth understanding and further advancement of air breakdown DC-TENG. Herein, a theoretical study and experimental verification that systematically investigate the physics, output characteristics, and power management strategy of air breakdown DC-TENG is presented. A general simulation model is then proposed and verified through a statistical analysis method. Contrary to previous understanding of a highly conductive breakdown pathway, a huge resistance is observed and causes inevitable energy loss, which is regarded to be caused by corona discharge. Finally, device optimization and power management strategies are discussed, and fundamental guidance is given for the rational design of air breakdown DC-TENG.

中文翻译：

---

空气击穿直流摩擦纳米发电机的理论研究

摩擦纳米发电机（TENG）可以收集无处不在的环境机械能，是一种很有前途的分布式能源。最近报道的基于空气击穿效应的新一代直流 TENG（DC-TENG）与传统模式的 TENG 器件相比具有独特的优势，例如免整流和固有开关行为。然而，由于不同的工作机制和输出特性，现有的理论和电源管理策略不适合深入理解和进一步推进空气击穿 DC-TENG。在此，提出了系统研究空气击穿 DC-TENG 的物理特性、输出特性和电源管理策略的理论研究和实验验证。然后通过统计分析方法提出并验证通用仿真模型。与之前对高导电击穿路径的理解相反，观察到巨大的电阻并导致不可避免的能量损失，这被认为是由电晕放电引起的。最后，讨论了器件优化和电源管理策略，并为空气击穿 DC-TENG 的合理设计提供了基本指导。