# Electrospun PAN Membrane Loaded with AgInP2Se6 Nanosheets for Triboelectric Energy Harvesting

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a new flexible energy-harvesting membrane made by combining silver-indium-phosphorus-selenide nanosheets with a polymer, which also works as a humidity sensor.

## Contribution

First demonstration of exfoliated AgInP2Se6 in a polymer matrix for triboelectric energy harvesting and humidity sensing.

## Key findings

- The AgInP2Se6/PAN membrane achieves a peak power density of 480 mW·m−2 in triboelectric mode.
- The device shows humidity-dependent electrical response and full recovery after high humidity exposure.
- Exfoliated AgInP2Se6 maintains crystallinity and fiber integrity in the electrospun PAN matrix.

## Abstract

To address the gap in the application of mixed‐metal phosphorus trichalcogenides (MIMIIIP2X6) in energy harvesting systems, this work investigates the incorporation of exfoliated silver‐indium‐phosphorus‐selenide (AgInP2Se6) into electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers for triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) applications. This research marks the first‐time exfoliation of AgInP2Se6 (exf‐AgInP2Se6) and its integration into a polymer matrix, resulting in the first demonstration of a MIMIIIP2X6‐based polymer composite processed into a flexible nanogenerator via electrospinning. Comprehensive structural and morphological characterization confirms the successful incorporation of exfoliated AgInP2Se6 within the PAN fiber without compromising the crystallinity or fiber integrity. The exf‐AgInP2Se6/PAN membrane is tested as a TENG device, operating in contact‐separation mode, and demonstrates excellent output performance and stability under mechanical deformation. The device exhibits competitive electrical performance, reaching a peak power density of 480 mW·m−2 at 1 GΩ load, and remains functional under mechanical deformation. Additionally, it exhibits a strong and humidity‐dependent electrical response, with peak performance at low humidity (20% relative humidity (RH)) and complete recovery of output after exposure to high humidity (70% RH), enabling potential applications as a self‐powered humidity sensor. This study expands the range of two‐dimensional (2D) materials for energy harvesting by demonstrating exf‐AgInP2Se6 as a functional triboelectric material.

Exfoliated AgInP2Se6 nanosheets are incorporated into a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) polymer matrix by electrospinning and applied for the first time in a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). The hybrid membrane delivers strong electrical output and exhibits reversible humidity sensitivity, responding rapidly to changes in relative humidity. AgInP2Se6 is presented as a 2D filler for energy harvesting and environmental sensing in flexible electronic systems.