Quantifying triboelectric series of polymers based on the measurement of triboelectrification with NaCl solution.

1) A triboelectric series of polymers based on the measurement of triboelectrification with a conductive solution (3.5 wt% NaCl solution) was established, which can be used to rank the triboelectric properties of polymers rubbing with NaCl solution. In the triboelectric series, carbon chain polymers generally demonstrate more significant triboelectric performance than the heterocatenary polymers. In addition, the fluoropolymers show more significant triboelectric performance than other carbon chain polymers. 2) Electron transfer is the main mechanism of triboelectric charge transfer between polymers and aqueous solutions, and ion transfer and liquid molecular transfer are less significant than electron transfer. [Display omitted] • A triboelectric series of polymers based on the measurement of triboelectrification with a conductive solution (3.5 wt% NaCl solution) was established. • Mechanisms of the effects of the electronegativity of the functional groups, EDL, and wettability on the triboelectrification properties were analyzed. • Electron transfer is the main mechanism of triboelectric charge transfer between polymers and aqueous solutions. • A term called triboelectronegativity was proposed, which refers to the triboelectric properties of polymers rubbing with NaCl solution. Triboelectrification between polymers and aqueous solutions has received much attention in energy harvesting, self-powerful sensing, and other fields. However, the triboelectric series between commonly used polymers and aqueous solutions have not been systematically measured and studied. Based on the established solid–liquid triboelectric charge measurement method, we quantitatively measured the charge density caused by the triboelectric charge transfer among 14 common polymers and established a triboelectric series of polymers rubbing with sodium chloride solution. The influence mechanisms of the electronegativity of the functional groups, structures of the electric double layer, and wettability on the triboelectrification between polymer and aqueous solution were discussed in detail. And it was found that electron transfer is the main mechanism of triboelectric charge transfer between polymers and aqueous solutions. This work provides a new perspective for the quantitative study of polymer triboelectric series, helps to deeply understand the nature of the triboelectrification phenomenon of polymers, and may serve as guidance for designing and preparing new polymer materials with excellent triboelectric properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]