Quantitatively consistent, scale-spanning model for same-material tribocharging

TL;DR

This paper introduces a comprehensive model for same-material tribocharging that incorporates mesoscale spatial correlations, explaining experimental charge transfer behavior and fluctuations.

Contribution

It develops a scale-spanning model accounting for mesoscale correlations and proposes a mechanism for their emergence, advancing understanding of tribocharging.

Findings

Mesoscale correlations influence charge transfer magnitude.

Correlations suppress charge transfer variability.

Model aligns qualitatively with existing theories.

Abstract

By rigorously accounting for mesoscale spatial correlations in donor/acceptor surface properties, we develop a scale-spanning model for same-material tribocharging. We find that mesoscale correlations affect not only the magnitude of charge transfer but also the fluctuations-suppressing otherwise overwhelming charge-transfer variability that is not observed experimentally. We furthermore propose a generic theoretical mechanism by which the mesoscale features might emerge, which is qualitatively consistent with other proposals in the literature.