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Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are a promising technique for harvesting environmental energy that is based on electrostatic induction and contact electrification. This is a method that uses every relative motion between two electrodes to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. Several modes of TENGs are designed based on various relative motions between electrode pairs. As TENGs are a surface phenomenon, properties such as the structure of the electrodes are key parameters that affect their performance. In this paper, in order to identify the best pattern designed adapted to the TENG mode, the effect of surface structures in each mode is investigated numerically. To achieve the best performance of the micro-patterned electrode, a comparative study has been conducted on the four TENG modes under the same conditions. To reach this goal, micro-patterned shapes such as pyramid, spherical, and cube structures are designed, and the open circuit voltage is calculated and compared to a flat surface. The results show that surface modification has a significant role in TENG’s performance. Based on this study, by using a cube-patterned electrode instead of a flat electrode, the output voltage increases from 233 V to 384 V in sliding mode. Also, by applying the spherical pattern, the output voltage is 1.7 times higher than a flat electrode in contact-separation mode. In the case of investigating TENG pattern structure, the results show that the electrical outputs of the patterned layer depend on the mode. The spherical pattern has a higher impact in contact-separation mode compared to the cube pattern. Meanwhile, in sliding mode, the cube pattern has a greater effect. This work provides a hint for designing an effective pattern on electrodes for a particular mode to enhance TENG performance.

In the realm of intelligent sports, the integration of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) marks a transformative approach toward energy sustainability and more advanced athletic monitoring. By leveraging the principle of triboelectricity, TENGs ingeniously convert mechanical energy from athletes’ movements into electrical energy, which offers a green and efficient power solution for wearable technology. This paper presents an innovative study on the application of TENG technology in sports science, with the results illustrating the potential utility of TENGs in revolutionizing the way we monitor, analyze, and enhance athletic performance. Through the development of self-powered wearables and equipment, TENGs facilitate real-time data collection on physiological and biomechanical parameters, ultimately enabling personalized training adjustments and injury prevention strategies. Our findings underscore the dual benefit of TENGs in promoting environmental sustainability by reducing the overall reliance on traditional energy sources and growing the capabilities of intelligent sports systems. This research contributes to the burgeoning field of nano-energy sports applications while setting the stage for future explorations into the optimization of TENG integration in athletic performance enhancement. Finally, the paper concludes by discussing remaining challenges in this area and opportunities for further research.

This paper reviews and summarizes recent progress in blue energy harvesting based on a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). This review covers TENG-based blue energy harvesters (BEHs) with different inertial units in spherical structures, derivative spherical structures, buoy structures, and liquid–solid contact structures. These research works have paved the way for TENG-based BEHs working under low-frequency waves and harvesting wave energy efficiently. The TENG-based BEH unit design and networking strategy are also discussed, along with highlighted research works. The advantages and disadvantages of different TENG structures with other inertial units are explored and discussed. Meanwhile, power management strategies are also mentioned in this paper. Thus, as a promising blue energy harvesting technology, the TENG is expected to significantly contribute to developing low-cost, lightweight, and high-performance BEHs supporting more frequent marine activities.

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are an attractive energy harvesting technology due to their high efficiency and vast applications in self-powered sensors. In this work, dielectric–dielectric contact-separation TENGs were modeled with time-dependent finite element simulations with the objective of improving TENG’s performance by enhancing the relative permittivity (εr).To achieve this, the chosen material (PDMS, εr=2.75) was doped with SrTiO3 (εr = 300) particles. The open-circuit voltage (VOC) and short-circuit current (ISC) remained constant as ϵr increased, as predicted by existent models, but in contradiction with available experimental data. Thus, we introduced a charge correction model relating ϵr and surface charge density, allowing us to observe an increase in TENG performance output (VOC and ISC). This work shows that finite element simulations are suitable for better understanding and optimizing TENGs’ performance.

Self-healing triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), which incorporate self-healing materials capable of recovering their structural and functional properties after damage, are transforming the field of artificial skin by effectively addressing challenges associated with mechanical damage and functional degradation. This review explores the latest advancements in self-healing TENGs, emphasizing material innovations, structural designs, and practical applications. Key materials include dynamic covalent polymers, supramolecular elastomers, and ion-conductive hydrogels, which provide rapid damage recovery, superior mechanical strength, and stable electrical performance. Innovative structural configurations, such as layered and encapsulated designs, optimize triboelectric efficiency and enhance environmental adaptability. Applications span healthcare, human–machine interfaces, and wearable electronics, demonstrating the immense potential for tactile sensing and energy harvesting. Despite significant progress, challenges remain in scalability, long-term durability, and multifunctional integration. Future research should focus on advanced material development, scalable fabrication, and intelligent system integration to unlock the full potential of self-healing TENGs. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current achievements and future directions, underscoring the pivotal role of self-healing TENGs in artificial skin technology.

With the rapid evolution of the Internet of Things (IoT), smart home systems have greatly improved people’s lifestyles and quality of life. However, smart home systems based on a single sensor cannot efficiently control multiple terminals, which limits product penetration into lower-end markets. Here, we have developed a dual-mode smart home system based on a porous triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), which effectively compensates for the shortcomings of smart home systems being unable to control multiple appliances through a single switch. Benefitting from the remarkable electronegativity of MXene and the ameliorative specific surface area of the friction layer, the output characteristics of the porous TENG are greatly improved. Under the identical external stimulus, the open-circuit voltage (VOC) and short-circuit current (ISC) of the porous TENG were 3.03 and 3.04 times higher than those of the TENG with a pure PVDF membrane used as the friction layer. Thanks to the excellent output performance and good linear relationship between pressure and voltage, the developed dual-mode smart home system could efficiently control multiple terminals through a single sensor. This work not only provides theoretical support for developing high-performance TENGs but also paves the way to designing multifunctional smart home systems.

Advances in biomimetic triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have significant implications for electronic skin (e-skin) and human–machine interaction (HMI). Emphasizing the need to mimic complex functionalities of natural systems, particularly human skin, TENGs leverage triboelectricity and electrostatic induction to bridge the gap in traditional electronic devices’ responsiveness and adaptability. The exploration begins with an overview of TENGs’ operational principles and modes, transitioning into structural and material biomimicry inspired by plant and animal models, proteins, fibers, and hydrogels. Key applications in tactile sensing, motion sensing, and intelligent control within e-skins and HMI systems are highlighted, showcasing TENGs’ potential in revolutionizing wearable technologies and robotic systems. This review also addresses the challenges in performance enhancement, scalability, and system integration of TENGs. It points to future research directions, including optimizing energy conversion efficiency, discovering new materials, and employing micro-nanostructuring techniques for enhanced triboelectric charges and energy conversion. The scalability and cost-effectiveness of TENG production, pivotal for mainstream application, are discussed along with the need for versatile integration with various electronic systems. The review underlines the significance of making bioinspired TENGs more accessible and applicable in everyday technology, focusing on compatibility, user comfort, and durability. Conclusively, it underscores the role of bioinspired TENGs in advancing wearable technology and interactive systems, indicating a bright future for these innovations in practical applications.

The utilization of abundant blue energy in the ocean could greatly contribute to achieving carbon neutrality. However, the unsolved economic and technical challenges of traditional technologies for harvesting blue energy have resulted in slow progress. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), as a new approach for converting mechanical energy into electricity, have great potential for blue energy harvesting, which can be connected as networks with different numbers of units for varying scales of energy harvesting. Here, recent advances of networking strategies of TENGs for harvesting blue energy are reviewed, mainly concerning mechanical and electrical connection designs. Anchoring strategies of devices and networks are also discussed. The development of TENG networks could provide an effective solution for large-scale ocean blue energy harvesting, which can also serve as an in-situ energy station or power source for self-powered systems, supporting various marine equipment and activities.

A triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is one of the most significantly innovative microdevices for built-in energy harvesting with wearable and portable electronics. In this study, the forcespinning technology was used to synthesize a nanofiber (NF) mat-based TENG. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane was used as the negative triboelectric electrode/pole, and chemically designed and functionalized thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was used as the positive electrode/pole for the TENG. The electronic interference, sensitivity, and gate voltage of the synthesized microdevices were investigated using chemically modified bridging of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) with a TPU polymer repeating unit and bare TPU-based positive electrodes. The chemical functionality of TPU NF was integrated during the NF preparation step. The morphological features and the chemical structure of the nanofibers were characterized using a field emission scanning electron microscope and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The electrical output of the fabricated MWCNT-TPU/PVDF TENG yielded a maximum of 212 V in open circuit and 70 µA in short circuit at 240 beats per minute, which proved to be 79% and 15% higher than the TPU/PDVF triboelectric nanogenerator with an electronic contact area of 3.8 × 3.8 cm2, which indicates that MWCNT enhanced the electron transportation facility, which results in significantly enhanced performance of the TENG. This device was further tested for its charging capacity and sensory performance by taking data from different body parts, e.g., the chest, arms, feet, hands, etc. These results show an impending prospect and versatility of the chemically functionalized materials for next-generation applications in sensing and everyday energy harvesting technology.

With the growing demand for personalized healthcare services, biomaterial-based triboelectric nanogenerators (BM-TENGs) have gained widespread attention due to their non-toxicity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. This review systematically examines the working principles, material choices, biomimetic designs, and clinical application scenarios of BM-TENGs, with a focus on the use of natural biomaterials, biocomposites, hydrogels, and other materials in health diagnostics. Biomaterials show significant potential in enhancing TENG performance, improving device flexibility, and expanding application ranges, especially in early disease detection, health monitoring, and self-powered sensing devices. This paper also addresses the current challenges faced by BM-TENG technology, including performance optimization, biocompatibility, and device durability. By integrating existing research and technological advancements, this review aims to deeply analyze the development of BM-TENG technology, propose corresponding solutions, and explore its practical application prospects in the medical field.

Monitoring the dynamic behaviors of self-aligning roller bearings (SABs) is vital to guarantee the stability of various mechanical systems. This study presents a novel self-powered, intelligent, and self-aligning roller bearing (I-SAB) with which to monitor rotational speeds and bias angles; it also has an application in fault diagnosis. The designed I-SAB is compactly embedded with a novel sweep-type triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). The TENG is realized within the proposed I-SAB using a comb–finger electrode pair and a flannelette triboelectric layer. A floating, sweeping, and freestanding mode is utilized, which can prevent collisions and considerably enhance the operational life of the embedded TENG. Experiments are subsequently conducted to optimize the output performance and sensing sensitivity of the proposed I-SAB. The results of a speed-sensing experiment show that the characteristic frequencies of triboelectric current and voltage signals are both perfectly proportional to the rotational speed, indicating that the designed I-SAB has the self-sensing capability for rotational speed. Additionally, as both the bias angle and rotational speed of the SAB increase, the envelope amplitudes of the triboelectric voltage signals generated by the I-SAB rise at a rate of 0.0057 V·deg−1·rpm−1. To further demonstrate the effectiveness of the triboelectric signals emitted from the designed I-SAB in terms of self-powered fault diagnosis, a Multi-Scale Discrimination Network (MSDN), based on the ResNet18 architecture, is proposed in order to classify the various fault conditions of the SAB. Using the triboelectric voltage and current signals emitted from the designed I-SAB as inputs, the proposed MSDN model yields excellent average diagnosis accuracies of 99.8% and 99.1%, respectively, indicating its potential for self-powered fault diagnosis.

High-quality sleep is essential for both physiological and cognitive functions. However, periodic leg movements of sleep (PLMS), an involuntary phenomenon during sleep, affects millions of people worldwide, contributing to sleep fragmentation and functional impairments. The accurate monitoring of PLMS is important for identifying and addressing these issues. Traditional methods, such as polysomnography (PSG), which monitor the bare tibialis muscle movements in clinical environments, may not adequately reflect the natural sleep patterns at home. They are costly and unsuitable for long-term studies. In recent years, there has been growing interest in using flexible sensors for sleep monitoring. Previous studies have applied triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) as flexible sensors to detect muscle movements during sleep. However, distinguishing true PLMS from false signals caused by external factors, such as blankets, remains a challenge. This study proposes a method using three TENG sensors placed on the dorsum, ankle, and tibialis, respectively, along with signal processing techniques to enhance the accuracy of PLMS detection. This study provides a cost-effective, comfortable method for PLMS monitoring, with the potential for widespread use in home-based sleep studies and long-term care in the future.

The measurement of downhole drilling motor rotational speed is crucial for optimizing drilling operations, improving work efficiency, and preventing equipment failures. However, traditional downhole rotational speed sensors suffer from power supply limitations, which can increase drilling costs. To address this issue, this study presents a novel multifunctional rotational speed sensor based on triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) technology, enabling the self-powered measurement of rotational speed, direction, and angle. Our experimental results demonstrate that the sensor operates stably within a temperature range of 0 to 150 °C and a humidity range of 0 to 90%. It achieves rotational speed measurement with an accuracy of less than 2.5% error within a range of 0 to 1000 rpm, angular measurement with a resolution of 60 degrees and an error of less than 2% within a range of 0 to 360 degrees, and rotational direction measurement. Furthermore, the sensor exhibits self-powered functionality, achieving a maximum power output of 29.1 μW when the external load is 10 MΩ. Compared to conventional rotational speed sensors, this sensor possesses the unique advantage of integrating the measurement of rotational speed, angle, and direction, while simultaneously harnessing downhole working conditions for self-power generation. These characteristics make it highly suitable for practical downhole environments.

Wearable devices have revolutionized real-time health monitoring, yet challenges persist in enhancing their flexibility, weight, and accuracy. This paper presents the development of a wearable device employing a conductive polyacrylamide–lithium chloride–MXene (PLM) hydrogel sensor, an electronic circuit, and artificial intelligence (AI) for gait monitoring. The PLM sensor includes tribo-negative polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and tribo-positive polyurethane (PU) layers, exhibiting extraordinary stretchability (317% strain) and durability (1000 cycles) while consistently delivering stable electrical signals. The wearable device weighs just 23 g and is strategically affixed to a knee brace, harnessing mechanical energy generated during knee motion which is converted into electrical signals. These signals are digitized and then analyzed using a one-dimensional (1D) convolutional neural network (CNN), achieving an impressive accuracy of 100% for the classification of four distinct gait patterns: standing, walking, jogging, and running. The wearable device demonstrates the potential for lightweight and energy-efficient sensing combined with AI analysis for advanced biomechanical monitoring in sports and healthcare applications.

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are a viable energy-harvesting technology that can harness kinetic energy from various environmental sources. TENGs primarily utilize linear and rotational motion as their kinetic energy sources. In the contact/separation mode, the primary mode of operation for linear motion, one cycle of AC output is generated with a single push. If the output can be sustained for an extended period from a single push, the potential applications for TENGs would significantly expand. In this study, we propose an innovative Linear-to-Rotary Conversion Triboelectric Nanogenerator (LRC-TENG), which incorporates a gear structure to convert linear motion into rotational motion and employs charge pumping to achieve efficient, prolonged output. The proposed TENG can sustain AC output for 3 s with a single push. This LRC-TENG is particularly well suited for applications such as stairways requiring safety lighting at night. Utilizing the LRC-TENG, when a person steps on a stair, it can illuminate the stairway for 3 s through more than 236 LEDs, ensuring safety during nighttime walking. This solution aids in guaranteeing pedestrian safety at night.

The performance of composite-based triboelectric nanogenerators (C–TENGs) was significantly enhanced through laser surface patterning and graphite coating. The laser etching process produced accurate and consistent patterns, increasing surface area and improving charge accumulation. SEM imagery confirmed the structural differences and enhanced surface properties of the laser-etched C–TENGs. Graphite fibers further augmented the contact surface area, enhancing charge accumulation and diffusion. Experimental results demonstrated that the optimized C–TENGs, especially those with line patterns and graphite coating, achieved a maximal 98.87 V open-circuit voltage (VOC) and a 0.10 µA/cm2 short-circuit current density (JSC) under a 20 N external force. Environmental tests revealed a slight decrease in performance with increased humidity, while long-term stability tests indicated consistent performance over three weeks. Practical application tests showed the potential of C–TENGs integrated into wearable devices, generating sufficient energy for low-power applications, thereby highlighting the promise of these devices for sustainable energy solutions.

In recent years, the development of the Internet of Things has challenged traditional energy supply methods. Suddenly rising maintenance costs and serious environmental pollution have led to great concern over energy supply methods such as wired transmission and batteries. Fluid energy is a kind of clean energy widely existing in nature, which can effectively reduce costs and environmental pollution. In the field of collecting fluid energy, fluid energy converters based on triboelectric nanogenerators (FEC-TENGs) have always been a research hotspot. This paper reviews the latest research progress of FEC-TENGs. Firstly, the basic working principle and working mode of FEC-TENGs are introduced. Then, the theoretical process and application examples of converting fluid energy into electrical energy or electrical signals are analyzed in detail. According to the calculation process of energy conversion efficiency and the performance evaluation parameters, the structural design, performance output, and application fields of FEC-TENGs are summarized. Finally, this paper points out the challenges and shortcomings of the current FEC-TENGs and provides our views on the future development of this field.

As a new technology for harvesting distributed energy, the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has been widely used in harvesting wind energy. However, the wind-driven TENG (WD-TENG) faces the problems of high frictional resistance and low mechanical energy conversion efficiency. Here, based on optimizing the structure of the wind turbine, a rotational double-electrode-layer WD-TENG (DEL-WD-TENG) is developed. When the rotational speed is less than 400 round per minute (rpm), the dielectric triboelectric layer rubs with the inner electrode layer under its gravity; when the rotational speed is higher than 400 rpm, the dielectric triboelectric layer rubs with the outer electrode layer under the centrifugal force. The double-electrode-layer structure avoids the energy loss caused by other forces except gravity, centrifugal, and electrostatic adsorption, which improves the mechanical energy conversion efficiency and prolongs the working life of the DEL-WD-TENG. The conversion efficiency from mechanical energy to electricity of the DEL-WD-TENG can reach 10.3%. After 7 million cycles, the transferred charge of the DEL-WD-TENG is reduced by about 5.0%, and the mass loss of dielectric triboelectric layer is only 5.6%. The DEL-WD-TENG with low frictional resistance and high energy conversion efficiency has important application prospects in wind energy harvesting and self-powered sensing systems.

Sleep plays a role in maintaining our physical well-being. However, sleep-related issues impact millions of people globally. Accurate monitoring of sleep is vital for identifying and addressing these problems. While traditional methods like polysomnography (PSG) are commonly used in settings, they may not fully capture natural sleep patterns at home. Moreover, PSG equipment can disrupt sleep quality. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of sensors for sleep monitoring. These lightweight sensors can be easily integrated into textiles or wearable devices using technology. The flexible sensors can be designed for skin contact to offer continuous monitoring without being obtrusive in a home environment. This review presents an overview of the advancements made in flexible sensors for tracking body movements during sleep, which focus on their principles, mechanisms, and strategies for improved flexibility, practical applications, and future trends.

The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has the potential to serve as a high-entropy energy harvester, enabling the self-powered operation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. True random number generator (TRNG) is a common feature of encryption used in IoT data communication, ensuring the security of transmitted information. The benefits of multiplexing TENG and TRNG in resource-constrained IoT devices are substantial. However, current designs are limited by the usage scenarios and throughput of the TRNG. Specifically, we propose a structurally and environmentally friendly design based on the contact–separation structure, integrating heat fluctuation and charge decay as entropy sources. Furthermore, filtering and differential algorithms are recommended for data processing based on TENG characteristics to enhance randomness. Finally, a TENG-based TRNG is fabricated, and its performance is verified. Test results demonstrate a random number throughput of 25 Mbps with a randomness test pass rate approaching 99%, demonstrating suitability for resource-constrained IoT applications.

In this paper, an operator-based voltage control method for TENGs is investigated, achieving output voltage tracking without compensators and uncertainty suppression using robust right coprime factorization. Initially, a comprehensive simulation-capable circuit model for TENGs is developed, integrating their open-circuit voltage and variable capacitance characteristics. This model is implemented to simulate the behavior of TENGs with a rectifier bridge and capacitive load. To address the high-voltage, low-current pulsating nature of TENG outputs, a storage capacitor switching model is designed to effectively transfer the pulsating energy. This switching model is directly connected to a buck converter and operates under a unified control strategy. A complete TENG power management system was established based on this model, incorporating an operator theory-based control strategy. This strategy ensures steady output voltage under varying load conditions without using compensators, thereby reducing disturbances. Simulation results validate the feasibility of the proposed TENG system and the efficacy of the control strategy, providing a robust framework for optimizing TENG energy harvesting and management systems with significant potential for practical applications.

The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), as a novel energy harvesting technology, has garnered widespread attention. As a relatively young field in nanogenerator research, investigations into various aspects of the TENG are still ongoing. This review summarizes the development and dissemination of the fundamental principles of triboelectricity generation. It outlines the evolution of triboelectricity principles, ranging from the fabrication of the first TENG to the selection of triboelectric materials and the confirmation of the electron cloud overlapping model. Furthermore, recent advancements in TENG application scenarios are discussed from four perspectives, along with the research progress in performance optimization through three primary approaches, highlighting their respective strengths and limitations. Finally, the paper addresses the major challenges hindering the practical application and widespread adoption of TENGs, while also providing insights into future developments. With continued research on the TENG, it is expected that these challenges can be overcome, paving the way for its extensive utilization in various real-world scenarios.

The vibration parameters during drilling play a critical role in enhancing drilling speed and ensuring safety. However, traditional downhole vibration sensors face limitations in their power supply methods, hindering widespread adoption. To address this challenge, our research introduces a novel solution: a hybrid downhole vibration sensor (HDV-TENG) utilizing triboelectric nanogenerators. This sensor not only enables the measurement of low- to medium–high-frequency vibrations using self-power but also serves to energize other downhole devices. We utilized a self-constructed vibration simulator to replicate downhole drilling tool vibrations and conducted a comprehensive series of sensor tests. The test results indicate that the frequency measurement bandwidth of the HDV-TENG spans from 0 to 200 kHz. Especially, the measurement errors for vibrations within the low-frequency range of 0 to 10 Hz and the high-frequency range of 10 to 200 k Hz are less than 5% and 8%, respectively. Additionally, the experimental findings regarding load matching demonstrate that the HDV-TENG achieves an output power level in the milliwatt range, representing a significant improvement over the output power of traditional triboelectric nanogenerators. Unlike traditional downhole vibration measurement sensors, HDV-TENG operates without requiring any external power supply, thereby conserving downhole space and significantly enhancing drilling efficiency. Furthermore, HDV-TENG not only offers a broad measurement range but also amplifies output power through the synergy of a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG), and electromagnetic power generator (EMG). This capability enables its utilization as an emergency power source for other micropower equipment downhole. The introduction of HDV-TENG also holds considerable implications for the development of self-powered underground sensors with high-frequency measurement capabilities.

Marine pipeline vibration condition monitoring is a critical and challenging issue, on account of the complex marine environment, while powering the required monitoring sensors remains problematic. This study introduces a vibration sensor based on a ball triboelectric nanogenerator (B-TENG) for marine pipelines condition monitoring. The B-TENG consists of an acrylic cube, polyester rope, aluminum electrodes, and PTFE ball, which converts vibration signals into electrical signals without the need for an external energy supply. The experimental results show that B-TENG can accurately monitor the frequency, amplitude, and direction of vibration in the range of 1–5 Hz with a small error of 0.67%, 4.4%, and 5%, and an accuracy of 0.1 Hz, 0.97 V/mm, and 1.5°, respectively. The hermetically sealed B-TENG can monitor vibration in underwater environments. Therefore, the B-TENG can be used as a cost-effective, self-powered, highly accurate vibration sensor for marine pipeline monitoring.

Accurately predicting the distance an object will travel to its destination is very important in various sports. Acceleration sensors as a means of real-time monitoring are gaining increasing attention in sports. Due to the low energy output and power density of Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs), recent efforts have focused on developing various acceleration sensors. However, these sensors suffer from significant drawbacks, including large size, high complexity, high power input requirements, and high cost. Here, we described a portable and cost-effective real-time refreshable strategy design comprising a series of individually addressable and controllable units based on TENGs embedded in a flexible substrate. This results in a highly sensitive, low-cost, and self-powered acceleration sensor. Putting, which accounts for nearly half of all strokes played, is obviously an important component of the golf game. The developed acceleration sensor has an accuracy controlled within 5%. The initial velocity and acceleration of the forward movement of a rolling golf ball after it is hit by a putter can be displayed, and the stopping distance is quickly calculated and predicted in about 7 s. This research demonstrates the application of the portable TENG-based acceleration sensor while paving the way for designing portable, cost-effective, scalable, and harmless ubiquitous self-powered acceleration sensors.

As wearable devices continue to be updated and iterated, there is an increasing demand for energy supplies that are small, portable and capable of working continuously for extended periods of time. Here, a hybrid triboelectric-electromagnetic nanogenerator (HNG) based on a biomechanical energy harvester is demonstrated. The HNG is designed to be worn on the wrist according to the curve of the wearer’s arm swing. During the swinging of the arm, the magnet covered by the PTFE film will move relative to the curved cavity of the HNG and take on a negative charge by rubbing against the inner wall of the Cu coated cavity, resulting in a change in the potential difference between the two copper electrodes on the inner wall of the curved cavity. The movement of the magnet causes the magnetic flux of the three pairs of coils on both sides of the arc track to change to produce the induced electric potential, which converts the mechanical energy generated by the arm swing into electrical energy. After the rational design, the HNG is integrated into a small size device to achieve the collection of biomechanical energy. Several experiments were conducted to verify the HNG’s usability. Experiments show that the HNG takes 90 s to charge from 0 V to 1.2 V for a 1000 μF capacitor. In addition, the HNG can light up 23 LEDs simultaneously and provide a continuous supply of energy to portable electronic devices, such as temperature sensors and electronic watches after the capacitor has stored the energy. Furthermore, the HNG is experimentally verified by volunteers wearing the HNG to achieve continuous and stable output in all three states of slow swing, fast swing and running swing. This work not only provides a useful reference for human biomechanical energy harvesting, but can also provide a continuous, clean source of energy for wearable devices.

Contact electrification exists everywhere and between every phase of matter. However, its mechanism still remains to be studied. The recent triboelectric nanogenerator serves as a probe and provides some new clues about the mechanism present in solid–solid, solid–liquid, and liquid–liquid contact electrification. The gas–solid model still remains to be exploited. Here, we investigated the contact electrification between gases and solids based on the single-electrode triboelectric nanogenerator. Our work shows that the amount of transferred charges between gas and solid particles increases with surface area, movement distance, and initial charges of particle increase. Furthermore, we find that the initial charges on the particle surface can attract more polar molecules and enhance gas collisions. Since ions in gas–solid contact are rare, we speculate that gas–solid contact electrification is mainly based on electron transfer. Further, we propose a theoretical model of gas–solid contact electrification involving the gas collision model and initial charges of the particle. Our study may have great significance to the gas–solid interface chemistry.

The widespread vibration is one of the most promising energy sources for IoT and small sensors, and broad-frequency vibration energy harvesting is important. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) can convert vibration energy into electrical energy through triboelectricity and electrostatic induction, providing an effective solution to the collection of broad-frequency vibration energy. Also, the power supply in constrained and compact spaces has been a long-standing challenge. Here, a miniaturized power supply (MPS) based on a broad-frequency vibration-driven triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is developed. The size of the MPS is 38 mm × 26 mm × 20 mm, which can adapt to most space-limited environments. The TENG device is optimized through theoretical mechanical modeling for the external stimuli, it can efficiently harvest vibrational energy in the frequency range of 1–100 Hz and has a high output power density of 134.11 W/cm3. The developed device demonstrates its practical application potential in powering small electronics like LEDs, watches, and timers.

Nowadays, magnetic materials are also drawing considerable attention in the development of innovative energy converters such as triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), where the introduction of magnetic materials at the triboelectric interface not only significantly enhances the energy harvesting efficiency but also promotes TENG entry into the era of intelligence and multifunction. In this review, we begin from the basic operating principle of TENGs and then summarize the recent progress in applications of magnetic materials in the design of TENG magnetic materials by categorizing them into soft ferrites and amorphous and nanocrystalline alloys. While highlighting key role of magnetic materials in and future opportunities for improving their performance in energy conversion, we also discuss the most promising choices available today and describe emerging approaches to create even better magnetic TENGs and TENG-based sensors as far as intelligence and multifunctionality are concerned. In addition, the paper also discusses the integration of magnetic TENGs as a power source for third-party sensors and briefly explains the self-powered applications in a wide range of related fields. Finally, the paper discusses the challenges and prospects of magnetic TENGs.

In drilling operations, measuring vibration parameters is crucial for enhancing drilling efficiency and ensuring safety. Nevertheless, the conventional vibration measurement sensor significantly extends the drilling cycle due to its dependence on an external power source. Therefore, we propose a vibration-accumulation-type self-powered sensor in this research, aiming to address these needs. By leveraging vibration accumulation and electromagnetic power generation to accelerate charging, the sensor’s output performance is enhanced through a complementary charging mode. The experimental results regarding sensing performance demonstrate that the sensor possesses a measurement range spanning from 0 to 11 Hz, with a linearity of 3.2% and a sensitivity of 1.032. Additionally, it exhibits a maximum average measurement error of less than 4%. The experimental results of output performance measurement indicate that the sensor unit and generator set exhibit a maximum output power of 0.258 μW and 25.5 mW, respectively, and eight LED lights can be lit at the same time. When the sensor unit and power generation unit output together, the maximum output power of the sensor is also 25.5 mW. Furthermore, we conducted tests on the sensor’s output signal in conditions of high temperature and humidity, confirming its continued functionality in such environments. This sensor not only achieves self-powered sensing capabilities, addressing the power supply challenges faced by traditional downhole sensors, but also integrates energy accumulation with electromagnetic power generation to enhance its output performance. This innovation enables the sensor to harness downhole vibration energy for powering other micro-power devices, showcasing promising application prospects.

In recent years, renewable and sustainable triboelectric nanogenerators have attracted attention due to their high energy conversion rate, and enhancing their functionality further contributes to their applicability across various fields. A pH-sensitive triboelectric nanogenerator (pH-TENG) has been prepared by electrostatic spinning technology, with anthocyanin as the pH indicator and environmentally friendly polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the substrate. Among many friction-negative materials, the pH-TENG exhibits the best combination with fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) and yields an open-circuit voltage of 62 V, a short-circuit current of 370 nA, and a transferred charge of 21.8 nC. At a frequency of 3 Hz, it can charge a 4.7 μF capacitor to 2 V within 45 s, effectively powering a thermometer. Furthermore, the presence of anthocyanin does not affect the pH-TENG’s power generation performance and enables the monitoring of a wide range of environmental pH changes, with an ΔE change of 28.8 ± 7.6. Therefore, pH-TENG prepared with environmentally friendly materials can bring new available materials to the biological and medical fields.

Downhole drilling tool vibration measurement is crucial for drilling exploration safety, so real-time monitoring of vibration data is required. In this research, a honeycomb triboelectric nanogenerator (H-TENG) capable of adapting to various downhole environments is proposed. It can measure the frequency of downhole drilling equipment’s vibrations and transfer mechanical energy to electrical energy for use in powering other low power downhole meters. In order to preliminarily verify the possibility of sensors used for vibration measurement of downhole drilling tools, we built a simulated vibration platform to test the sensing performance and vibration energy collection performance of H-TENG. According to the testing results, the measurement range of vibration frequency and amplitude are 0 to 11 Hz and 5 to 25 mm, respectively, and the corresponding measurement errors are less than 5% and 6%, respectively. For vibrational energy harvesting, when four sensors are wired in series with a 107 resistance, the maximum power is approximately 1.57 μW. Compared to typical methods for measuring downhole vibration, the honeycomb triboelectric nanogenerator does not need an external power source, it has greater reliability and output power, and it can vary its shape to adapt to the complicated downhole environment. In addition, the H-TENG can be combined freely according to the diameter of the drill string, and even if one sensor unit is damaged, the other units can still be used normally.

In recent years, global attention towards new energy has surged due to increasing energy demand and environmental concerns. Researchers have intensified their focus on new energy, leading to advancements in technologies like triboelectrification, which harnesses energy from the environment. The invention of the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has led to new possibilities, with the rotary sliding TENG standing out for its superior performance. However, understanding its mechanical behavior remains a challenge, potentially leading to structural issues. This paper introduces a novel analytical mechanics model to analyze the mechanical performance of the stator of the rotary sliding TENG, offering a new analytical solution. The solution also presents an innovative approach to solving axisymmetric problems in elasticity theory since it challenges a traditional assumption that the stress function depends solely on the radial coordinate, proposing a new stress function to derive a more general solution, supplementing the classical approach in the theory of elasticity. Through the obtained solutions, the mechanical characteristics of the rotary sliding TENG during operation are analyzed. A clearer relationship between mechanical characteristics and electrical output is expected to provide a theoretical basis for the design of the rotary sliding TENG.

Recently, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have emerged as having an important role in the next wave of technology due to their large potential applications in energy harvesting and smart sensing. Recognizing this, a device based on TENGs, which can solve some of the problems in the liquid flow measurement process, was considered. In this paper, a new method to measure the liquid flow rate through a pipe which is based on the triboelectric effect is reported. A single-electrode flowing liquid-based TENG (FL-TENG) was developed, comprising a silicon pipe and an electrode coated with a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane. The measured electrical responses show that the FL-TENG can generate a peak open-circuit voltage and peak short-circuit current of 2.6 V and 0.3 µA when DI water is passed through an 8 mm cell FL-TENG at a flow rate of 130 mL/min and reach their maximum values of 17.8 V–1.57 µA at a flow rate of 1170 mL/min, respectively. Importantly, the FL-TENG demonstrates a robust linear correlation between its electrical output and the flow rate, with the correlation coefficient R2 ranging from 0.943 to 0.996. Additionally, this study explores the potential of the FL-TENG to serve as a self-powered sensor power supply in future applications, emphasizing its adaptability as both a flow rate sensor and an energy harvesting device.

Wind energy holds potential for in-situ powering large-scale distributed wireless sensor nodes (WSNs) in the Internet of Things (IoT) era. To achieve high performance in wind energy harvesting, a coaxial counter-rotating triboelectric nanogenerator with lift–drag hybrid blades, termed CCR-TENG, has been proposed. The CCR-TENG, which can work in non-contact and soft-contact modes, realizes low-speed wind energy harvesting through a combination of counter-clockwise rotating lift-type blades and clockwise rotating drag-type blades. Non-contact CCR-TENG realizes low-speed wind energy harvesting at wind speeds as low as 1 m/s. The output of a CCR-TENG, working in soft-contact mode, achieves 41% promotion with a maximum short-circuit current of 0.11 mA and a peak surface power density of 6.2 W/m2 with two TENGs connected in parallel. Furthermore, the power density per unit of wind speed achieves 746 mW/m3·s/m. Consequently, two fluorescent lamps were successfully illuminated and six temperature sensors were continuously lit by the CCR-TENG. The reported CCR-TENG significantly improves low-speed environmental wind energy utilization and demonstrates broad application prospects for in-situ power supply of distributed wireless transmission devices and sensors in the era of the IoT.

In the era of the Internet of Things, various electronics play an important role in information interaction, in which the power supply is an urgent problem to be solved. Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is an emerging mechanical energy harvesting technology that can serve as a power source for electronics, which is developing towards high performance, miniaturization and integration. Herein, the advanced micro-nano manufacturing technologies are systematically reviewed for TENGs. First, film preparation such as physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, electrochemical deposition, electrospinning and screen printing for triboelectric layers are introduced and discussed. Then, surface processing, such as soft lithography, laser ablation, inductively coupled plasma and nanoimprint for micro-nano structures on the surface of triboelectric layers are also introduced and discussed. In addition, micro-electromechanical system fabrication for TENG devices such as acoustic and vibration sensors, is introduced, and their current challenges are analyzed. Finally, the challenges of the advanced micro-nano manufacturing technologies for the TENGs are systematically summarized, and further development is prospected.

Energy harvesting from the ambient environment can be a beneficial and promising source for powering micro- and nanodevices. Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) technology has been proved to be a simple and cost-effective method to harness ambient mechanical energy. The performance of the TENG device mainly depends on the careful selection of the material pair. So far, metals and polymer materials have dominated TENG technology. Recently, there have been few reports on metal–organic framework (MoF)-based TENGs. MoFs are very interesting and offer excellent chemical and thermal stability, besides their unique properties, such as tunable pore size and high surface area. Herein, we report a zeolitic imidazole framework (ZIF-67)-based TENG device for self-powered device applications. We used ZIF-67 as one tribolayer, and PET and PMMA as opposite tribolayers. The output performance of the TENG device fabricated with the PMMA/ZIF-67 pair showed values of 300 V, 47.5 µA, and 593 mW/m2 of open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, and power density, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, these are the highest reported values so far for ZIF-67-based TENG devices. The fabricated TENG device lit up 250 LEDs and was employed to explore different self-powered device applications.

The utilization of various distributed energy is becoming a prominent research topic due to the rapid development of the Internet of Things and wireless condition monitoring systems. Among the various distributed energy sources, wind energy has the advantages of being widely distributed, renewable and pollution-free, and is a very promising mechanical energy for power supply. Traditional wind energy harvesting methods based on electromagnetic and piezoelectric effects have issues with complex structure, large size, severe mechanical structures, and high installation costs. The low frequency and irregular nature of ambient mechanical energy makes these methods generally inefficient and inevitably hinders the further exploitation of wind energy. The triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) based on frictional charging and electrostatic effects can also be used for wind power generation and are increasingly favored by researchers as TENGs are easier to be miniaturized and assembled, and can realize large-scale manufacturing in comparison. This paper reviews the research on TENGs for wind energy utilization in terms of structural design, material selection and potential applications. In addition, the potential difficulties and possible developments in this field are summarized and discussed.

Sensors based on triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are increasingly gaining attention because of their self-powered capabilities and excellent sensing performance. In this work, we report a Mo2CTx-based triboelectric sensor (Mo-TES) consisting of a Mo2CTx/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite film. The impact of the mass fraction (wt%) and force of Mo2CTx particles on the output performance of Mo-TES was systematically explored. When Mo2CTx particles is 3 wt%, Mo-TES3 achieves an open-circuit voltage of 86.89 V, a short-circuit current of 578.12 nA, and a power density of 12.45 μW/cm2. It also demonstrates the ability to charge capacitors with varying capacitance values. Additionally, the Mo-TES3 demonstrates greater sensitivity than the Mo-TES0 and a faster recovery time of 78 ms. Meanwhile, the Mo-TES3 also demonstrates excellent stability in water washing and antifatigue testing. This demonstrates the effectiveness of Mo-TES as a pressure sensor. Furthermore, leveraging the principle of electrostatic induction, the triboelectric sensor has the potential to achieve non-contact sensing, making it a promising candidate for disease prevention and safety protection.

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) can effectively collect low-frequency, disordered mechanical energy and are therefore widely studied in the field of ocean energy collection. Most of the rotary TENGs studied so far tend to have insufficient rotation, resulting in slow charge transfer rates in low-frequency ocean environments. For this reason, in this paper, we propose a wind-wave synergistic triboelectric nanogenerator (WWS-TENG). It is different from the traditional rotary TENGs based on free-standing mode in that its power generation unit has two types of rotors, and the two rotors rotate in opposite directions under the action of wind energy and wave energy, respectively. This type of exercise can more effectively collect energy. The WWS-TENG has demonstrated excellent performance in sea wind and wave energy harvesting. In the simulated ocean environment, the peak power can reach 13.5 mW under simulated wind-wave superposition excitation; the output of the WWS-TENG increased by 49% compared to single-wave power generation. The WWS-TENG proposal provides a novel means of developing marine renewable energy, and it also demonstrates broad application potential in the field of the self-powered marine Internet of Things (IoT).

Wave energy is one of the most widely distributed and abundant energies in the ocean, and its conversion technology has been broadly researched. In this paper, a structure that combines a traditional center pipe oscillating water column and a triboelectric nanogenerator is proposed. Firstly, the structural characteristics and geometric parameters of the device are designed. The working process of the device is introduced, the motion equation of the device is established, and the power generation principle of the triboelectric nanogenerator is deduced and analyzed theoretically. Secondly, hydrodynamic modeling and simulation are carried out, the influence of the bottom shape of the main floating body and the structural parameters of the sag plate on the hydrodynamic force of the device is analyzed, and an electric field simulation of the generation process of the friction nanogenerator is carried out. Finally, experiments involving the wave water tank of the proposed device are conducted, including charging the capacitor of the device under different wave conditions and directly lighting the LED lamp. The performance of the proposed device under different wave conditions is discussed. According to the test results, the feasibility of the proposed device for wave energy conversion is confirmed.

The advancement of the Internet of Things (IoT) has increased the demand for large-scale intelligent sensing systems. The periodic replacement of power sources for ubiquitous sensing systems leads to significant resource waste and environmental pollution. Human staffing costs associated with replacement also increase the economic burden. The triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) provide both an energy harvesting scheme and the possibility of self-powered sensing. Based on contact electrification from different materials, TENGs provide a rich material selection to collect complex and diverse data. As the data collected by TENGs become increasingly numerous and complex, different approaches to machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) algorithms have been proposed to efficiently process output signals. In this paper, the latest advances in ML algorithms assisting solid–solid TENG and liquid–solid TENG sensors are reviewed based on the sample size and complexity of the data. The pros and cons of various algorithms are analyzed and application scenarios of various TENG sensing systems are presented. The prospects of synergizing hardware (TENG sensors) with software (ML algorithms) in a complex environment and their main challenges for future developments are discussed.

A dual-band electrochromic supercapacitor device (DESCD) can be driven by an external power supply to modulate solar radiation, which is a promising energy-saving strategy and has broad application prospects in smart windows. However, traditional power supplies, such as batteries, supercapacitors, etc., usually face limited lifetimes and potential environmental issues. Hence, we propose a self-powered DESCD based on TiO2/WO3 dual-band electrochromic material and a ternary dielectric rotating triboelectric nanogenerator (TDR-TENG). The TDR-TENG can convert mechanical energy from the environment into electrical energy to obtain a high output of 840 V, 23.9 µA, and 327 nC. The as-prepared TDR-TENG can drive the TiO2/WO3 film to store energy with a high dual-band modulation amplitude of 41.6% in the visible (VIS) region and 84% in the near-infrared (NIR) region, decreasing the indoor–outdoor light–heat interaction and thereby reducing the building energy consumption. The self-powered DESCD demonstrated in this study has multiple functions of energy harvesting, energy storage, and energy saving, providing a promising strategy for the development of self-powered smart windows.

In the constantly evolving field of medical diagnostics, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) stand out as a groundbreaking innovation for simultaneously harnessing mechanical energy from micromovements and sensing stimuli from both the human body and the ambient environment. This advancement diminishes the dependence of biosensors on external power sources and paves the way for the application of TENGs in self-powered medical devices, especially in the realm of point-of-care diagnostics. In this review, we delve into the functionality of TENGs in point-of-care diagnostics. First, from the basic principle of how TENGs effectively transform subtle physical movements into electrical energy, thereby promoting the development of self-powered biosensors and medical devices that are particularly advantageous for real-time biological monitoring. Then, the adaptable design of TENGs that facilitate customization to meet individual patient needs is introduced, with a focus on their biocompatibility and safety in medical applications. Our in-depth analysis also covers TENG-based biosensor designs moving toward exceptional sensitivity and specificity in biomarker detection, for accurate and efficient diagnoses. Challenges and future prospects such as the integration of TENGs into wearable and implantable devices are also discussed. We aim for this review to illuminate the burgeoning field of TENG-based intelligent devices for continuous, real-time health monitoring; and to inspire further innovation in this captivating area of research that is in line with patient-centered healthcare.

With the development of the integration and miniaturization of sensing devices, the concept of self-sensing devices has been proposed. A motion state is self-sensed via the structure or integration of an actuator in the construction of a sensing unit. This device is then used to capture the perception and measurement of states such as position, displacement, and speed. A triboelectric nanogenerator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy through the coupling effect of contact generation and electrostatic induction, which represents one of the reliable ways through which to realize integrated sensing. In this world, the power generation technology of the TENG is applied to a sensing device. The sensing characteristics of a grid-like TENG are designed and analyzed in freestanding triboelectric mode. Firstly, a relation model of displacement, velocity, voltage, and charge is established. The charge-transfer increment and current amounts are linearly related to the velocity. The open-circuit voltage has a positive relationship with the displacement. The maximum open-circuit voltage and the maximum charge transfer are fixed values, and they are only related to the inherent parameters of a triboelectric nanogenerator. Next, the sensor model is constructed using COMSOL Multiphysics 6.0. The simulation results show that the relationships between output voltage and charge transfer, as well as those between the increments of charge transfer, velocity, and displacement, are consistent with the results derived from the formula. Finally, a performance test of the designed sensor is carried out, and the results are consistent with the theoretical deduction and simulation. After analysis and processing of the output electrical signal by the host computer, it can feedback the frequency and speed value of the measured object. In addition, the output signal is stable, and there is no large fluctuation or attenuation during the 521-s vibration test. Because the working unit of the sensor is thin filmed, it is small in size, easy to integrate, and has no external power supply; moreover, it can be integrated into a device to realize the self-sensing of a motion state.

Today, cardiovascular diseases threaten human health worldwide. In clinical practice, it has been concluded that analyzing the pulse waveform can provide clinically valuable information for the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. Accordingly, continuous and accurate monitoring of the pulse wave is essential for the prevention and detection of cardiovascular diseases. Wearable triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are emerging as a pulse wave monitoring biotechnology due to their compelling characteristics, including being self-powered, light-weight, and wear-resistant, as well as featuring user-friendliness and superior sensitivity. Herein, a comprehensive review is conducted on the progress of wearable TENGs for pulse wave monitoring. Firstly, the four modes of operation of TENG are briefly described. Secondly, TENGs for pulse wave monitoring are classified into two categories, namely wearable flexible film-based TENG sensors and textile-based TENG sensors. Next, the materials, fabrication methods, working mechanisms, and experimental performance of various TENG-based sensors are summarized. It concludes by comparing the characteristics of the two types of TENGs and discussing the potential development and challenges of TENG-based sensors in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases and personalized healthcare.

In recent decades, the development of electronic technology has provided opportunities for the Internet of Things, biomedicine, and energy harvesting. One of the challenges of the Internet of Things in the electrification era is energy supply. Centralized energy supply has been tested over hundreds of years of history, and its advantages such as ideal output power and stable performance are obvious, but it cannot meet the specific needs of the Internet of Things, and distributed energy supply also has a large demand. Since the invention of nanogenerators, another promising solution for fluid energy harvesting has been opened up. The triboelectric nanogenerator is an emerging platform technology for electromechanical energy conversion, which can realize the collection of fluid energy such as wind energy and wave energy. In this paper, we first introduce the fundamentals of triboelectric nanogenerators and their applications in wind and wave energy harvesting devices. We then discuss the methods of device optimization in the next development of TENG and conclude by considering the future prospects and challenges for triboelectric nanogenerator harvesting devices.

The pursuit of enhancing the performance of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) has led to the exploration of new materials with efficient charge-generating capabilities. Herein, we propose benzylpenicillin sodium salt (b-PEN) as a candidate biomaterial for the tribopositive layer owing to its superior electron-donating capability via the lone pairs of electrons on its sulfur atom, carbonyl, and amino functional groups. The proposed b-PEN TENG device exhibits promising electrical performance with an open-circuit voltage of 185 V, a short-circuit current of 4.52 µA, and a maximum power density of 72 µW/cm2 under force applied by a pneumatic air cylinder at 5 Hz. The biomechanical energy-harvesting capabilities of the b-PEN TENG device are demonstrated by actuating it with finger, hand, and foot movements. Moreover, the proposed TENG device is utilized to charge capacitors and power light-emitting diodes by scavenging the externally applied mechanical energy. This outstanding electrical performance makes b-PEN a promising tribopositive material.

With the development of society and the advancement of technology, the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) has changed people’s lifestyles and raised the demand for energy to a new level. However, there are some drawbacks in terms of energy supply for IoT sensors, such as limited battery capacity and limitations in replacement and maintenance. Therefore, it has become urgent to develop a sustainable green energy source (wind energy) using the surrounding environment. Meanwhile, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) with advantages such as flexible structure, low manufacturing cost, and environmental friendliness provide enormous potential for constructing self-powered sensing systems. In this work, we present a novel coaxial rolling charge pump TENG (CR-TENG) based on wind energy to enhance the output performance and durability. The rolling friction charge pump TENG directly injects positive and negative charges into the main TENG, which is more wear-resistant compared to sliding friction, and greatly increases the charge density and output power. In addition, the charge pumping part and the main TENG adopt the coaxial design, reducing the complexity of the structural design. On comparing the output performance of the CR-TENG under the initial state, rectifier bridge supplemental charge strategy, and charge pump supplemental charge strategy, results shown that the output voltage performance of the CR-TENG can be improved by 5800% under the charge pump supplemental charge strategy. Moreover, the output performance of the CR-TENG remains stable after 72,000 cycles. The output power of the CR-TENG can reach 1.21 mW with a load resistance of 3 × 107 Ω. And the CR-TENG can charge a 0.1 μF capacitor to 5 V in just 1.6 s. This work provides new insights for the rotary durable high output charge pump compensating a triboelectric nanogenerator and demonstrates the important potential of harvesting environmental energy to supply intelligent IoT nodes.

The quality of human life has improved thanks to the rapid development of wearable electronics. Previously, bulk structures were usually selected for the fabrication of high performance electronics, but these are not suitable for wearable electronics due to mobility limitations and comfortability. Fibrous material-based triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) can provide power to wearable electronics due to their advantages such as light weight, flexibility, stretchability, wearability, etc. In this work, various fiber materials, multiple fabrication methods, and fundamentals of TENGs are described. Moreover, recent advances in functional fiber-based wearable TENGs are introduced. Furthermore, the challenges to functional fiber-based TENGs are discussed, and possible solutions are suggested. Finally, the use of TENGs in hybrid devices is introduced for a broader introduction of fiber-based energy harvesting technologies.