Microplasma-discharge-based nitrogen fixation driven by triboelectric nanogenerator toward self-powered mechano-nitrogenous fertilizer supplier

Abstract

Development of novel nitrogen fixation technology is realistically significant for the fertilizer industry and agriculture. Traditional plasma-induced nitrogen fixation technology is severely limited in some instances because this route generally requires a continuous power input with the features of complicated apparatus fabrication, high cost, nonportability, etc. Herein, a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG)-driven microplasma discharge–based nitrogen fixation system is conceived by integrating a high-voltage output TENG and a discharge reactor. The novel TENG has the capability to generate a high voltage of about 1300 V without additional auxiliary. The generated voltage can induce microplasma discharge under atmospheric environment in the discharge reactor, where nitrogen gas is successfully converted into nitrogen dioxide and nitric acid, and atmospheric nitrogen fixation is therefore realized. The TENG-driven microplasma discharge-based nitrogen fixation system can serve as a nitrogenous fertilizer supplier, and correspondingly, NaNO3 fertilizer is produced via driving the system by human walking stimuli for crop cultivation. A promising and energy-saving atmospheric nitrogen fixation strategy with environmental friendliness, flexible operation, and high safety is offered.