Advances in Graphene‑Based Electrode for Triboelectric Nanogenerator

With the continuous development of wearable electronics,wireless sensor networks and other micro-electronic devices,there is an increasingly urgent need for miniature,flexible and efficient nanopower generation technology.Triboelectric nanogenerator(TENG)technology can convert small mechanical energy into electricity,which is expected to address this problem.As the core component of TENG,the choice of electrode materials significantly affects its performance.Traditional metal electrode materials often suffer from problems such as durability,which limits the further application of TENG.Graphene,as a novel electrode material,shows excellent prospects for application in TENG owing to its unique structure and excellent electrical properties.This review systematically summarizes the recent research progress and application prospects of TENGs based on graphene electrodes.Various precision processing methods of graphene electrodes are introduced,and the applications of graphene electrode-based TENGs in various scenarios as well as the enhancement of graphene electrodes for TENG performance are discussed.In addition,the future development of graphene electrode-based TENGs is also prospectively discussed,aiming to promote the continuous advancement of graphene electrode-based TENGs.

Improved Flexible Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on Tile-Nanostructure for Wireless Human Health Monitor

Triboelectric nanogenerators(TENGs)have emerged as promising candidates for integrating with flexible electronics as self-powered systems owing to their intrinsic flexibility,biocompatibility,and miniaturization.In this study,an improved flexible TENG with a tile-nanostructured MXene/polymethyl methacrylate(PMMA)composite electrode(MP-TENG)is proposed for use in wireless human health monitor.The multifunctional tile-nanostructured MXene/PMMA film,which is self-assembled through vacuum filtration,exhibits good conductivity,excellent charge capacity,and high flexibility.Thus,the MXene/PMMA composite electrode can simultaneously function as a charge-generating,charge-trapping,and charge-collecting layer.Furthermore,the charge-trapping capacity of a tile nanostructure can be optimized on the basis of the PMMA concentration.At a mass fraction of 4%PMMA,the MP-TENG achieves the optimal output performance,with an output voltage of 37.8 V,an output current of 1.8μA,and transferred charge of 14.1 nC.The output power is enhanced over twofold compared with the pure MXene-based TENG.Moreover,the MP-TENG has sufficient power capacity and durability to power small electronic devices.Finally,a wireless human motion monitor based on the MP-TENG is utilized to detect physiological signals in various kinematic motions.Consequently,the proposed performance-enhanced MP-TENG proves a considerable potential for use in health monitoring,telemedicine,and self-powered systems.

Ultra-Robust and High-Performance Rotational Triboelectric Nanogenerator by Bearing Charge Pumping

As an emerging technology to convert environmental high-entropy energy into electrical energy,triboelectric nanogenerator(TENG)has great demands for further enhancing the service lifetime and output performance in practical applications.Here,an ultra-robust and high-performance rotational triboelectric nanogenerator(R-TENG)by bearing charge pumping is proposed.The R-TENG composes of a pumping TENG(P-TENG),an output TENG(O-TENG),a voltage-multiplying circuit(VMC),and a buffer capacitor.The P-TENG is designed with freestanding mode based on a rolling ball bearing,which can also act as the rotating mechanical energy harvester.The output low charge from the P-TENG is accumulated and pumped to the non-contact O-TENG,which can simultaneously realize ultralow mechanical wear and high output performance.The matched instantaneous power of R-TENG is increased by 32 times under 300 r/min.Furthermore,the transferring charge of R-TENG can remain 95%during 15 days(6.4×10^(6)cycles)continuous operation.This work presents a realizable method to further enhance the durability of TENG,which would facilitate the practical applications of high-performance TENG in harvesting distributed ambient micro mechanical energy.

Recent advances in high charge density triboelectric nanogenerators

Triboelectric materials with high charge density are the building-block for the commercial application of triboelectric nanogenerators(TENGs).Unstable dynamic processes influence the change of the charge density on the surface and inside of triboelectric materials.The charge density of triboelectric materials depends on the surface and the internal charge transfer processes.The focus of this review is on recent advances in high charge density triboelectric materials and advances in the fabrication of TENGs.We summarize the existing strategies for achieving high charge density in triboelectric materials as well as their fundamental properties.We then review current optimization methods for regulating dynamic charge transfer processes to increase the output charge density:first,increasing charge injection and limiting charge dissipation to achieve a high average surface charge density,and second,regulating the internal charge transfer process and storing charge in triboelectric materials to increase the output charge density.Finally,we present the challenges and prospects in developing high-performance triboelectric materials.

A Review of Contact Electrification at Diversified Interfaces and Related Applications on Triboelectric Nanogenerator

The triboelectric nanogenerator(TENG)can effectively collect energy based on contact electrification(CE)at diverse interfaces,including solid–solid,liquid–solid,liquid–liquid,gas–solid,and gas–liquid.This enables energy harvesting from sources such as water,wind,and sound.In this review,we provide an overview of the coexistence of electron and ion transfer in the CE process.We elucidate the diverse dominant mechanisms observed at different interfaces and emphasize the interconnectedness and complementary nature of interface studies.The review also offers a comprehensive summary of the factors influencing charge transfer and the advancements in interfacial modification techniques.Additionally,we highlight the wide range of applications stemming from the distinctive characteristics of charge transfer at various interfaces.Finally,this review elucidates the future opportunities and challenges that interface CE may encounter.We anticipate that this review can offer valuable insights for future research on interface CE and facilitate the continued development and industrialization of TENG.

Gel-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Flexible Sensing:Principles,Properties,and Applications

The rapid development of the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence technologies has increased the need for wearable,portable,and self-powered flexible sensing devices.Triboelectric nanogenerators(TENGs)based on gel materials(with excellent conductivity,mechanical tunability,environmental adaptability,and biocompatibility)are considered an advanced approach for developing a new generation of flexible sensors.This review comprehensively summarizes the recent advances in gel-based TENGs for flexible sensors,covering their principles,properties,and applications.Based on the development requirements for flexible sensors,the working mechanism of gel-based TENGs and the characteristic advantages of gels are introduced.Design strategies for the performance optimization of hydrogel-,organogel-,and aerogel-based TENGs are systematically summarized.In addition,the applications of gel-based TENGs in human motion sensing,tactile sensing,health monitoring,environmental monitoring,human-machine interaction,and other related fields are summarized.Finally,the challenges of gel-based TENGs for flexible sensing are discussed,and feasible strategies are proposed to guide future research.

Recent advances in stretchable triboelectric nanogenerators for use in wearable bioelectronic devices

Wearable bioelectronic devices have the capacity for real-time human health monitoring,the provision of tailored services,and natural interaction with smart devices.However,these wearable bioelectronic devices rely on conventional rigid batteries that are frequently charged or replaced and are incompatible with the skin,leading to a discontinuity in complex therapeutic tasks related to human health monitoring and human-machine interaction.Stretchable triboelectric nanogenerator(TENG)is a high-efficiency energy harvesting technology that converts mechanical into electrical energy,effectively powering wearable bioelectronic devices.This study comprehensively overviews recent advances in stretchable TENG for use in wearable bioelectronic devices.The working mechanism of stretchable TENG is initially explained.A comprehensive discussion presents the approaches for fabricating stretchable TENG,including the design of stretchable structures and the selection of stretchable materials.Furthermore,applications of wearable bioelectronic devices based on stretchable TENG in human health monitoring(body movements,pulse,and respiration)and human-machine interaction(touch panels,machine control,and virtual reality)are introduced.Ultimately,the challenges and developmental trends regarding wearable bioelectronic devices based on stretchable TENG are elaborated.

Advances in magnetic-assisted triboelectric nanogenerators:structures,materials and self-sensing systems

Triboelectric nanogenerators(TENG),renowned for their remarkable capability to harness weak mechanical energy from the environment,have gained considerable attention owing to their cost-effectiveness,high output,and adaptability.This review provides a unique perspective by conducting a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of magnetically assisted TENGs that encompass structures,materials,and self-powered sensing systems.We systematically summarize the diverse functions of the magnetic assistance for TENGs,including system stiffness,components of the hybrid electromagnetic-triboelectric generator,transmission,and interaction forces.In the material domain,we review the incorporation of magnetic nano-composites materials,along with ferrofluid-based TENG and microstructure verification,which have also been summarized based on existing research.Furthermore,we delve into the research progress on physical quantity sensing and human-machine interface in magnetic-assisted TENGs.Our analysis highlights that magnetic assistance extends beyond the repulsive and suction forces under a magnetic field,thereby playing multifaceted roles in improving the output performance and environmental adaptability of the TENGs.Finally,we present the prevailing challenges and offer insights into the future trajectory of the magnetic-assisted TENGs development.

Advances in Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Blue Energy Harvesting and Marine Environmental Monitoring

Blue energy,which includes rainfall,tidal current,wave,and water-flow energy,is a promising renewable resource,although its exploitation is limited by current technologies and thus remains low.This form of energy is mainly harvested by electromagnetic generators(EMGs),which generate electricity via Lorenz force-driven electron flows.Triboelectric nano genera tors(TENGs)and TENG networks exhibit superiority over EMGs in low-frequency and high-entropy energy harvesting as a new approach for blue energy harvesting.A TENG produces electrical outputs by adopting the mechanism of Maxwell’s displacement current.To date,a series of research efforts have been made to optimize the structure and performance of TENGs for effective blue energy harvesting and marine environmental applications.Despite the great progress that has been achieved in the use of TENGs in this context so far,continuous exploration is required in energy conversion,device durability,power management,and environmental applications.This review reports on advances in TENGs for blue energy harvesting and marine environmental monitoring.It introduces the theoretical foundations of TENGs and discusses advanced TENG prototypes for blue energy harvesting,including TENG structures that function in freestanding and contact-separation modes.Performance enhancement strategies for TENGs intended for blue energy harvesting are also summarized.Finally,marine environmental applications of TENGs based on blue energy harvesting are discussed.

Solvent-Resistant Wearable Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Energy-Harvesting and Self-Powered Sensors

Wearable triboelectric nanogenerators(TENGs)have attracted attention owing to their ability to harvest energy from the surrounding environment without maintenance.Herein,polyetherimide-Al_(2)O_(3)(PAl)and polyvinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene(PVDF-HFP,PH)nanofiber membranes were used as tribo-positive and tribo-negative materials,respectively.Phytic acid-doped polyaniline(PANI)/cotton fabric(PPCF)and ethylenediamine(EDA)-crosslinked PAl(EPAl)nanofiber membranes were used as triboelectrode and triboencapsulation materials,respectively.The result showed that when the PAl-PH-based TENG was shaped as a circle with a radius of 1 cm,under the pressure of 50 N,and the frequency of 0.5 Hz,the open-circuit voltage(V_(oc))and short-circuit current(I_(sc))reached the highest value of 66.6 V and-93.4 to 110.1 nA,respectively.Moreover,the PH-based TENG could be used as a fabric sensor to detect fabric composition and as a sensor-inductive switch for light bulbs or beeping warning devices.When the PAl-PH-based TENG was shaped as a 5×5 cm^(2)rectangle,a 33 pF capacitor could be charged to 15 V in 28 s.Interestingly,compared to PAl nanofiber membranes,EPAl nanofiber membranes exhibited good dyeing properties and excellent solvent resistance.The PPCF exhibited<5%resistance change after washing,bending,and stretching.

Bidirectional rotating direct-current triboelectric nanogenerator with self-adaptive mechanical switching for harvesting reciprocating motion

Amid the growing interest in triboelectric nanogenerators(TENGs)as novel energy-harvesting devices,several studies have focused on direct current(DC)TENGs to generate a stable DC output for operating electronic devices.However,owing to the working mechanisms of conventional DC TENGs,generating a stable DC output from reciprocating motion remains a challenge.Accordingly,we propose a bidirectional rotating DC TENG(BiR-TENG),which can generate DC outputs,regardless of the direction of rotation,from reciprocating motions.The distinct design of the BiR-TENG enables the mechanical rectification of the alternating current output into a rotational-direction-dependent DC output.Furthermore,it allows the conversion of the rotational-direction-dependent DC output into a unidirectional DC output by adapting the configurations depending on the rotational direction.Owing to these tailored design strategies and subsequent optimizations,the BiR-TENG could generate an effective unidirectional DC output.Applications of the BiR-TENG for the reciprocating motions of swinging doors and waves were demonstrated by harnessing this output.This study demonstrates the potential of the BiR-TENG design strategy as an effective and versatile solution for energy harvesting from reciprocating motions,highlighting the suitability of DC outputs as an energy source for electronic devices.

Unlocking multidirectional and broadband wind energy harvesting with triboelectric nanogenerator and vortex-induced vibration of sphere

A unique oscillating wind-driven triboelectric nanogenerator(OWTENG)based on the sphere's vortex-induced vibration(VIV)behavior is proposed in this study,which can harvest wind energy across a multitude of horizontal directions.With the Euler-Lagrange method,the coupled governing equations of the OWTENG are established and subsequently validated by experimental tests.The vibrational properties and output performance of the OWTENG for varying wind speeds are analyzed,demonstrating its effectiveness in capturing wind energy across a broad range of wind speeds(from 2.20 m/s to 8.84 m/s),and the OWTENG achieves its peak output power of 106.3μW at a wind speed of 5.72 m/s.Furthermore,the OWTENG maintains a steady output power across various wind directions within the speed range of 2.20 m/s to 7.63 m/s.Nevertheless,when the wind speed exceeds 7.63 m/s,the vibrational characteristics of the sphere shift based on the wind direction,leading to fluctuations in the OWTENG's output power.This research presents an innovative approach for designing vibrational triboelectric nanogenerators,offering valuable insights into harvesting wind energy from diverse directions and speeds.

Application of different fiber structures and arrangements by electrospinning in triboelectric nanogenerators

In recent years,nanogenerators(NGs)have attracted wide attention in the energy field,among which triboelectric nanogenerators(TENGs)have shown superior performance.Multiple reports of electrospinning(ES)-based TENGs have been reported,but there is a lack of deep analysis of the designing method from microstructure,limiting the creative of new ES-based TENGs.Most TENGs use polymer materials to achieve corresponding design,which requires structural design of polymer materials.The existing polymer molding design methods include macroscopic molding methods,such as injection,compression,extrusion,calendering,etc.,combined with liquid-solid changes such as soluting and melting;it also includes micro-nano molding technology,such as melt-blown method,coagulation bath method,ES method,and nanoimprint method.In fact,ES technology has good controllability of thickness dimension and rich means of nanoscale structure regulation.At present,these characteristics have not been reviewed.Therefore,in this paper,we combine recent reports with some microstructure regulation functions of ES to establish a more general TENGs design method.Based on the rich microstructure research results in the field of ES,much more new types of TENGs can be designed in the future.

Research on human gait sensing based on triboelectric nanogenerator

To address the problem of frequent battery replacement for wearable sensors applied to fall detection among the elderly,a portable and lowcost triboelectric nanogenerator(TENG)-based self-powered sensor for human gait monitoring is proposed.The main fabrication materials of the TENG are polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE)film,aluminum(Al)foil,and polyimide(PI)film,where PTFE and Al are the friction layer materials and the PI film is used to improve the output performance.Exploiting the ability of TENGs to monitor changes in environmental conditions,a self-powered sensor based on the TENG is placed in an insole to collect gait information.Since a TENG does not require a power source to convert physical and mechanical signals into electrical signals,the electrical signals can be used as sensing signals to be analyzed by a computer to recognize daily human activities and fall status.Experimental results show that the accuracy of the TENG-based sensor for recognizing human gait is 97.2%,demonstrating superior sensing performance and providing valuable insights for future monitoring of fall events in the elderly population.

Recent advances in fabricating high-performance triboelectric nanogenerators via modulating surface charge density

Triboelectric nanogenerators(TENGs),a type of promising micro/nano energy source,have been arousing tremendous research interest since their inception and have been the subject of many striking developments,including defining the fundamental physical mechanisms,expanding applications in mechanical to electric power conversion and self-powered sensors,etc.TENGs with a superior surface charge density at the interfaces of the electrodes and dielectrics are found to be crucial to the enhancement of the performance of the devices.Here,an overview of recent advances,including material optimization,circuit design,and strategy conjunction,in developing TENGs through surface charge enhancement is presented.In these topics,different strategies are retrospected in terms of charge transport and trapping mechanisms,technical merits,and limitations.Additionally,the current challenges in high-performance TENG research and the perspectives in this field are discussed.

Investigation of Power Density Amplification in Stacked Triboelectric Nanogenerators

In engineering practice,the output performance of contact separation TENGs(CS-TENGs)increases with the increase of tribo-pair area,which includes increasing the size of single layer CS-TENGs(SCS-TENGs)or the number of units(zigzag TENGs).However,such two strategies show significant differences in output power and power density.In this study,to seek a universal CS-TENG design solution,the output performance of a SCS-TENG and a zigzag TENG(Z-TENG)is systematically compared,including voltage,current,transferred charge,instantaneous power density,and charging power density.The relationship between contact area and output voltages is explored,and the output voltage equation is fitted.The experimental results reveal that SCS-TENGs yield better performance than Z-TENGs in terms of voltage,power,and power density under the same total contact area.Z-TENGs show energy loss during the transfer of mechanical energy,and such loss is aggravated by the increasing number of units.The instantaneous peak power of the SCS-TENG is up to 22 times that of the Z-TENG(45 cm^(2)).Furthermore,the power density of capacitor charging of SCS-TENGs is 131%of that of Z-TENGs,which are relatively close.Z-TENG is a feasible alternative when the working space is limited.

Fabricating AC/DC nanogenerators based on single ZnO nanowires by using a nanomanipulator in a scanning electron microscope

Single zinc oxide nanowires(ZnO NWs)are promising for nanogenerators because of their excellent semiconducting and piezoelectric properties,but characterizing the latter efficiently is challenging.As reported here,an electrical breakdown strategy was used to construct single ZnO NWs with a specific length.With the high operability of a nanomanipulator in a scanning electron microscope,ZnO-NW-based twoprobe and three-probe structures were constructed for fabricating AC/DC nanogenerators,respectively.For a ZnO NW,an AC output of between−15.31 mV and 5.82 mV was achieved,while for a DC nanogenerator,an output of24.3 mV was realized.Also,the three-probe structure’s output method was changed to verify the distribution of piezoelectric charges when a single ZnO NW is bent by a probe,and DC outputs of different amplitudes were achieved.This study provides a low-cost,highly convenient,and operational method for studying the AC/DC output characteristics of single NWs,which is beneficial for the further development of nanogenerators.

Wearable Triboelectric Nanogenerators Based on Printed Polyvinylidene Fluoride Films Incorporated with Cobalt-Based Metal-Organic Framework for Self-Powered Mobile Electronics

In this study,wearable triboelectric nanogenerators comprising bar-printed polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF)films incorporated with cobalt-based metal-organic framework(Co-MOF)were developed.The enhanced output performance of the TENGs was attributed to the phase transition of PVDF from a-crystals toβ-crystals,as facilitated by the incorporation of the MOF.The synthesis conditions,including metal ion,concentration,and particle size of the MOF,were optimized to increase open-circuit voltage(VOC)and open-circuit current(I_(SC))of PVDF-based TENGs.In addition to high operational stability,mechanical robustness,and long-term reliability,the developed TENG consisting of PVDF incorporated with Co-MOF(Co-MOF@PVDF)achieved a VOC of 194 V and an I_(SC)of 18.8μA.Furthermore,the feasibility of self-powered mobile electronics was demonstrated by integrating the developed wearable TENG with rectifier and control units to power a global positioning system(GPS)device.The local position of the user in real-time through GPS was displayed on a mobile interface,powered by the battery charged through friction-induced electricity generation.

A triboelectric nanogenerator based on a spiral rotating shaft for efficient marine energy harvesting of the hydrostatic pressure differential

Equipment used in underwater sensing and exploration typically relies on cables or batteries for energy supply,resulting in a limited and inconvenient energy supply and marine environmental pollution that hinder the sustainable development of distributed ocean sensing networks.Here,we design a deep-sea differential-pressure triboelectric nanogenerator(DP-TENG)based on a spiral shaft drive using modified polymer materials to harness the hydrostatic pressure gradient energy at varying ocean depths to power underwater equipment.The spiral shaft structure converts a single compression into multiple rotations of the TENG rotor,achieving efficient conversion of differential pressure energy.The multi-pair electrode design enables the DP-TENG to generate a peak current of 61.7μA,the instantaneous current density can reach 0.69μA cm^(-2),and the output performance can be improved by optimizing the spiral angle of the shaft.The DP-TENG can charge a 33μF capacitor to 17.5 V within five working cycles.It can also power a digital calculator and light up 116 commercial power light-emitting diodes,demonstrating excellent output capability.With its simple structure,low production cost,and small form factor,the DP-TENG can be seamlessly integrated with underwater vehicles.The results hold broad prospects for underwater blue energy harvesting and are expected to contribute to the development of self-powered equipment toward emerging“smart ocean”and blue economy applications.

Recent advances in nature inspired triboelectric nanogenerators for self-powered systems

Triboelectric nanogenerators(TENGs)stand at the forefront of energy harvesting innovation,transforming mechanical energy into electrical power through triboelectrification and electrostatic induction.This groundbreaking technology addresses the urgent need for sustainable and renewable energy solutions,opening new avenues for self-powered systems.Despite their potential,TENGs face challenges such as material optimization for enhanced triboelectric effects,scalability,and improving conversion efficiency under varied conditions.Durability and environmental stability also pose significant hurdles,necessitating further research towards more resilient systems.Nature inspired TENG designs offer promising solutions by emulating biological processes and structures,such as the energy mechanisms of plants and the textured surfaces of animal skins.This biomimetic approach has led to notable improvements in material properties,structural designs,and overall TENG performance,including enhanced energy conversion efficiency and environmental robustness.The exploration into bio-inspired TENGs has unlocked new possibilities in energy harvesting,self-powered sensing,and wearable electronics,emphasizing reduced energy consumption and increased efficiency through innovative design.This review encapsulates the challenges and advancements in nature inspired TENGs,highlighting the integration of biomimetic principles to overcome current limitations.By focusing on augmented electrical properties,biodegradability,and self-healing capabilities,nature inspired TENGs pave the way for more sustainable and versatile energy solutions.