Electron Transfer in Contact Electrification

Contact causes a weak interaction at the interface of two materials. This interaction transforms the surface of the lattice into a perturbed state. This perturbed surface is modeled as a series of dipoles. These dipoles change the surface state of both materials and contribute to a modified work function. The surface dipoles also induce a potential field at the interface, which drives electron transfer across the gap between the materials. A tribopair of Si and SiO2 is used to demonstrate how the modified work function and potential field drive electron transfer, as de- scribed by Schrodinger’s equation. The results will also be compared to experimental data.