Work

Recycled Thermocol Nanofibers Based Smart Triboelectric Nanogenerators for AI‐Assisted Switching

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT The accumulation of non‐biodegradable thermocol (expanded polystyrene, EPS) waste presents a critical environmental challenge and an untapped resource for sustainable energy technologies. In this work, we demonstrate a waste‐to‐functional‐material strategy by transforming discarded thermocol into electrospun EPS nanofibers and employing them as an efficient tribonegative layer in a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). Unlike conventional polymer films, the nanofibrous EPS architecture introduces high surface roughness and electrospinning‐induced dipole alignment, leading to markedly enhanced charge generation. The resulting TENG delivers an open‐circuit voltage of ∼159 V, a short‐circuit current of ∼22 µA, and a maximum output powerdensity of 2083 mW/m 2 , outperforming widely used triboelectric polymers such as PTFE and PET. The device further exhibits excellent mechanical durability, long‐term stability over six months, and robust performance under varying humidity and temperature conditions. Beyond energy harvesting, the TENG is implemented as a self‐powered intelligent switching interface, where machine‐learning‐assisted signal processing enables reliable operation of a digital elevator system. This study establishes recycled EPS nanofibers as a high‐performance triboelectric material and demonstrates their potential for sustainable, intelligent, and self‐powered electronic systems.

Source: Small

DOI: 10.1002/smll.202512532