Triboelectrification: Modelling, Validation and Application

An EPSRC Research Project

Predicting triboelectrification from the solid-state molecular base to resolve troublesome issues, such as cohesive arching, caking, segregation and in extreme cases fire and explosion, in manufacturing of particulate products, and advancing Tribo-Electric Nano-Generator (TENG) technology from a fundamental basis.

Challenge 1

Can the ‘effective’ work function be predicted for individual facets of a crystal and validated against KPFM and surface characterisation by sessile contact angle method?

Challenge 2

For a crystal with different work functions for different facets, can the effective work function for a single grain be validated against single particle impact charge transfer, averaged over many particles?

Challenge 3

How can the knowledge and methodologies be applied to improve the performance of TENGs?

Challenge 4

How can the charge distribution in powders in the size range of industrial interest, typically in the range of 10-1000 µm, be measured?

Challenge 5

Can the bulk behaviour at mesoscale be predicted by CFD-DEM and validated against experimental work?

Challenge 6

Can the charge build-up in unit operations such as circulating fluidised beds and pneumatic conveying lines be predicted from single particle data, including the effect of charge neutralisers?