triboelectriska

Triboelectriska, or the triboelectric effect, is the generation of electrical charge on surfaces that come into contact and then separate. It results from contact electrification, where electrons transfer between materials according to their electronic properties, leaving opposite charges on the separated surfaces and creating a measurable electrostatic potential.

The direction and magnitude of charging depend on the material pair, surface roughness, contamination, and environmental conditions such as humidity. When two materials touch, electrons may move from one to the other; upon separation, each surface retains a net charge, producing attraction or repulsion and enabling static electricity.

A triboelectric series ranks common materials by their tendency to gain or lose electrons, guiding material choices for intentional charging. Polymers like PTFE tend to gain electrons, while some plastics and insulators tend to lose electrons. The exact outcome is influenced by contact mode (sliding, peeling) and surface state.

Applications include electrostatic processes in xerography and air filtration, as well as energy harvesting with triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) that convert mechanical energy into electricity at low frequencies. The effect also poses challenges in manufacturing by causing static cling and unwanted discharges, particularly in high-humidity or cleanroom environments.

Research focuses on improving efficiency, understanding nanoscale charge transfer, and developing durable material pairs for stable, scalable devices. The field spans physics, materials science, and electrical engineering.