Step-by-step explanation:
Triboelectric charging occurs when two different materials come into contact and exchange electrons, resulting in a buildup of electric charge on the surfaces of the materials. For this process to occur, it is important that the materials have different electrical properties, such as different electron affinities or work functions.
If the materials were the same, there would be no difference in their electrical properties, and no charge transfer would occur. In other words, both materials would have the same tendency to attract or repel electrons, so there would be no driving force for the electrons to move from one material to the other.
By having different materials, however, there is a difference in the electrical properties of the two surfaces, which creates a driving force for the electrons to move from one material to the other. This results in a buildup of electric charge on the surfaces of the materials and the creation of a triboelectric effect.
The ability to generate and control electric charge through triboelectric charging has important applications in a variety of fields, including energy harvesting, sensing, and actuation. Therefore, understanding the importance of using different materials in the triboelectric process is crucial for optimizing the performance and functionality of these applications.