Abstract
To address the gap in the application of mixed-metal phosphorus trichalcogenides (M(I)M(III)P(2)X(6)) in energy harvesting systems, this work investigates the incorporation of exfoliated silver-indium-phosphorus-selenide (AgInP(2)Se(6)) into electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers for triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) applications. This research marks the first-time exfoliation of AgInP(2)Se(6) (exf-AgInP(2)Se(6)) and its integration into a polymer matrix, resulting in the first demonstration of a M(I)M(III)P(2)X(6)-based polymer composite processed into a flexible nanogenerator via electrospinning. Comprehensive structural and morphological characterization confirms the successful incorporation of exfoliated AgInP(2)Se(6) within the PAN fiber without compromising the crystallinity or fiber integrity. The exf-AgInP(2)Se(6)/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-AgInP(2)Se(6) as a functional triboelectric material.