Nonlinear potential field in contact electrification

TL;DR

This paper investigates the electron transfer mechanism in contact electrification, proposing that surface dipole induced potential and nonlinear potential fields play a key role, supported by atomistic simulations of carbon and silicon dioxide contact.

Contribution

It introduces a novel hypothesis that surface dipole induced potential influences electron transfer, supported by atomistic field theory and molecular dynamics simulations.

Findings

Existence of a nonlinear potential field at contact interface

Presence of a separation-dependent potential barrier

Implications for triboelectric charge transfer mechanisms

Abstract

The cause of electron transfer in contact electrification is one of the most hotly debated physical problems today. In this study, the electron transfer is hypothesized to be partly driven by the surface dipole induced potential during contact. This phenomena is demonstrated by a combination of atomistic field theory (AFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. A representative contact system of carbon and silicon dioxide was chosen for its excellent tribo-tunneling power output performance. The results reveal the existence of a nonlinear potential field as well as the existence of a separation dependent potential barrier at the contact interface. Possible scenarios of triboelectric charge transfer are discussed in light of these results. These results are critical to the fundamental understanding of contact electrification.