Triboelectric Nanogenerator Research Articles

Multifunctional Downhole Drilling Motor Speed Sensor Based on Triboelectric Nanogenerator

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.

All-in-one, flexible, diversified self-powered sensors through embedded 3D printing

Abstract Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are characterized by zero power consumption and are often employed as self-powered sensors. However, the complex manufacturing process and expensive equipment limit the further promotion and application of self-powered sensors, which have become urgent challenges in this field. Here, a simple strategy using embedded 3D printing is proposed to enable the fabrication of diverse self-powered sensors in one-step, reducing production costs while increasing design flexibility. Specifically, the designed sensors composed of the silicone as the triboelectric layer and silicone/multi-walled carbon nanotubes as flexible electrodes with excellent all-in-one structures. Meanwhile, diversified self-powered sensors with different complex structures (e.g., planar array sensors and helical icosahedron sensors) were developed to meet the diverse needs of different applications, verifying the capability of the proposed embedded 3D printing method to design and customize sensors with various shapes and structures. In addition, the applications of these functionalized self-powered sensors in cryptographic simulation, pressure position detection, and impact force recognition have been successfully demonstrated. Therefore, this self-powered sensor based on embedded 3D printing has a promising future in human-computer interaction, collision detection and other fields.

Energy harvesting through the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) based on polyurethane/cellulose nanocrystal

This study investigates how physical and mechanical properties affect the performance of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). Polyurethane (PU) was prepared using two methods: (i) one-step PU (non-chain extended polyurethane) and (ii) two-step PU (chain extended polyurethane) via the prepolymer method; both types were filled with different concentrations of nanocrystalline cellulose. Mechanical properties significantly influence the deformation at the material interface that occurs during contact or friction. Key surface characteristics, including surface energy, geometry, and physicochemical properties, affect the effective contact area and potential distribution. One-step PU with 0.1 % CNC demonstrates a maximum capacitance of 29.20 pF, a voltage of 2.04 V, an electric current of 0.43 µA and power of 0.89 µW, representing a 74.5 % increase in power compared to the neat one-step PU, exhibits significant potential for TENG applications. Performance improvements are associated with lower concentrations of cellulose nanocrystals, enhanced hydrogen bonding, and beneficial surface energy. The observed enhancements in output are attributed to improved internal polarization from well-dispersed crystalline nanocellulose, increased crystallinity of the soft segment, and reduced charge transfer mechanisms due to amino groups in the chain extender. However, the impact of the molecular structure and conformation of polyurethanes on triboelectrification remains unclear, highlighting the need for theoretical models and experimental data. This research provides a practical approach for developing stretchable triboelectric materials with enhanced mechanical properties, emphasizing the importance of considering factors such as mechanical parameters, nanofiller content, and surface physicochemical properties to optimize TENG design.

Energy from Waste: Triboelectric Nanogenerators from Fully Fabric Materials for Smart Textiles. An Introductory Activity for Fine Arts and Design Students

Energy from Waste: Triboelectric Nanogenerators from Fully Fabric Materials for Smart Textiles. An Introductory Activity for Fine Arts and Design Students

Acoustic Tunable Battery‐Free Implants Based on Sustainable Triboelectric Nanogenerators With Metal‐Polymer Intermixing Layers

AbstractUltrasound‐driven triboelectric nanogenerators (US‐TENGs) offer an innovative solution for transcutaneous power transfer, with the potential to enable battery‐free, permanently implantable electronics. However, research to date has primarily demonstrated only fragmentary functionalities for these applications. This work presents the simultaneous transmission of acoustic power and precise acoustic information using a double‐electrode US‐TENG, enabling a battery‐free implant controlled via ultrasound. High and sustained output from a US‐TENG is crucial for operating the versatile system; therefore, a novel triboelectric membrane with a top electrode incorporating a gold‐polymer intermixing layer has been designed. Reversible micro‐cracks form in the intermixing layer, ensuring electrical connectivity under high‐frequency strain. In vivo experiments confirm that the system is biocompatible and can be reliably operated inside living rats. These achievements represent a significant step toward realizing multifunctional implantable electronics that can be reliably powered and controlled by ultrasound.

Scale Production of a Stretchable Fiber Triboelectric Nanogenerator in Customizable Textile for Human Motion Recognition.

Although the fiber-based triboelectric nanogenerator (F-TENG) has been recognized as one of the most promising flexible sensor systems, it is facing a challenge of balancing the performance and the processing scalability. Herein, we develop a hierarchical coaxial F-TENG possessing PU layer, Ag layer, and PA layer from the core to the outer part by an efficient and straightforward two-step braiding method. Owning a small diameter of 1 mm, the F-TENG presents a high linear sensing response, a wide working range of 5 to 150 kPa, and a quick reaction speed of around 200 ms. In addition, it shows high flexibility, cyclic washability, and superior mechanical stability. Furthermore, customizable textiles (e.g., wrist support and socks) that conform perfectly to the human body have been knitted from the F-TENGs as warps or wefts, which are able to monitor human motion signals. Together with an optimized machine learning algorithm, five human motions (stand, slow walk, normal walk, run, and jump) can be analyzed with a precision of up to 99%. In short, this work presents a scalable approach to develop customizable self-powered sensing textiles, offering an excellent wearable digital platform/system for potential motion capture/monitoring, identification, and smart-sports-related applications.

Liquid–film triboelectric nanogenerator with the volume effect for low-frequency blue energy harvesting and shock detection

Liquid–film triboelectric nanogenerator with the volume effect for low-frequency blue energy harvesting and shock detection

Self-adhesive ultrasound-mediated triboelectric nanogenerator device for subcutaneous antibacterial treatment and accelerated wound healing

Self-adhesive ultrasound-mediated triboelectric nanogenerator device for subcutaneous antibacterial treatment and accelerated wound healing

Advances of triboelectric and piezoelectric nanogenerators toward continuous monitoring and multimodal applications in the new era

Abstract Benefiting from the widespread potential applications in the era of the Internet of Thing and metaverse, triboelectric and piezoelectric nanogenerators (TENG & PENG) have attracted considerably increasing attention. Their outstanding characteristics, such as self-powered ability, high output performance, integration compatibility, cost-effectiveness, simple configurations, and versatile operation modes, could effectively expand the lifetime of vastly distributed wearable, implantable, and environmental devices, eventually achieving self-sustainable, maintenance-free, and reliable systems. However, current triboelectric/piezoelectric based active (i.e. self-powered) sensors still encounter serious bottlenecks in continuous monitoring and multimodal applications due to their intrinsic limitations of monomodal kinetic response and discontinuous transient output. This work systematically summarizes and evaluates the recent research endeavors to address the above challenges, with detailed discussions on the challenge origins, designing strategies, device performance, and corresponding diverse applications. Finally, conclusions and outlook regarding the research gap in self-powered continuous multimodal monitoring systems are provided, proposing the necessity of future research development in this field.

Synergetic Modulation of Electronic Properties of Cobalt Oxide via "Tb" Single Atom for Uphill Urea and Water Electrolysis.

Exploring single-atom (SA) catalysts in hybrid urea-assisted water electrolysis offers a viable alternative to both Hydrogen (H2) generation and polluted water treatment. However, the unfavorable electronic stabilization, low SA content, intrinsically slow kinetics, and imbalanced adsorption-desorption steps are the bottleneck for its scale-up implementation. Herein, a rare-earth Terbium single atom (TbSA) is topologically stabilized on defect-rich Co3O4 (TbSA@d-Co3O4) by Tb─O co-ordination for urea oxidation reaction (UOR) and H2 evolution reaction (HER). Benefitting from the strong TbSA interaction with the d-Co3O4, the TbSA@d-Co3O4 achieves a 10mAcm-2 current density at 1.27V and -35mV for UOR and HER, respectively. Remarkably, when TbSA@d-Co3O4 is applied as a bi-functional catalyst in a two-electrode system, it merely requires 1.22V to acquire 10mAcm-2 with excellent operational stability for 100 h. The hybrid electrolyzer can be successfully empowered by the triboelectric nanogenerator, AA battery, and solar panel with a nominal potential of 1.5V. The mechanistic investigation predicts "TbSA" insertion in d-Co3O4 lowered the potential determining step, attributed to balanced reaction energetics for adsorption-desorption of intermediates and favorable charge transfer characteristics for UOR. This work offers a new paradigm to explore the catalytic properties of rare-earth "f-block" elements to create advanced electrocatalysts via structural modulation.

Magnetic PDMS@SiO2/Fe3O4 Composite Friction Layer Material for Enhanced Friction Nanogenerator Output Performance

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) have exhibited remarkable potential in harnessing stochastic low-frequency mechanical energy from oceanic surfaces, attributed to their versatile architectures and capability for extensive deployment. Nonetheless, the relatively modest power output per unit area remains a critical limitation impeding the advancement of TENG technology. Consequently, the innovation of novel material systems and devices to augment the output performance and efficiency of TENG is paramount in achieving effective ocean energy exploitation. In our study, a vertical contact PC-TENG was utilized as an energy harvester, with the incorporation of magnetic nano-oxide particles to bolster the output efficiency of TENG. This investigation represents the inaugural application of SiO2 and Fe3O4 nanoparticles within PDMS negative friction layers. This strategy augments the specific surface area, thereby improving the contact between the friction materials and enhancing charge transfer efficiency. Moreover, the magnetic properties of Fe3O4 facilitate charge separation on the material's surface, culminating in an elevated voltage output. Comprehensive characterizations were conducted using SEM, FTIR, electrometer, and contact angle meter, while simulations were corroborated with COMSOL Multiphysics field simulation software. The output performance witnessed optimization through the incorporation of Fe3O4, culminating in a peak open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 85.1212 V, a maximum short-circuits current (ISC) of 8.4037 μA, and a maximum transferred charge (QSC) of 0.5638 nC, reflecting enhancements of 28%, 32%, and 27%, respectively, compared to conventional PDMS materials. The peak output power, achieved with an impedance match of 55 MΩ, was recorded at 19.03 mW, marking a 70.8% improvement in output performance. The findings revealed that the contact angle of PDMS@SiO2/Fe3O4 composites reached 100.092°, enhancing hydrophobicity by 8% relative to traditional PDMS materials, thereby rendering it more suitable for humid environments. COMSOL Multiphysics field simulation results further substantiated the viability of the PDMS@SiO2/Fe3O4 composite friction layer material for applications in oceanic wave environments. Ultimately, a rectifier bridge was introduced to convert the alternating current generated by the PC-TENG into direct current. This research offers a novel paradigm for the utilization of TENG in the realm of marine energy.

Biodegradable and Implantable Triboelectric Nanogenerator Improved by β-Lactoglobulin Fibrils-Assisted Flexible PVA Porous Film.

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are highly promising as implantable, degradable energy sources and self-powered sensors. However, the degradable triboelectric materials are often limited in terms of contact electrification and mechanical properties. Here, a bio-macromolecule-assisted toughening strategy for PVA aerogel-based triboelectric materials is proposed. By introducing β-lactoglobulin fibrils (BF) into the PVA aerogel network, the material's mechanical properties while preserving its swelling resistance is significantly enhanced. Compared to pure PVA porous film, the BF-PVA porous film exhibits an eightfold increase in fracture strength (from 1.92 to 15.48J) and a fourfold increase in flexibility (from 10.956 to 39.36MPa). Additionally, the electrical output of BF-PVA in triboelectric performance tests increased nearly fivefold (from 45 to 203V). Leveraging these enhanced properties, a biodegradable TENG (bi-TENG) for implantable muscle activity sensing is developed, achieving real-time monitoring of neuromuscular processes. This innovation holds significant potential for advancing implantable medical devices and promoting new applications in bio-integrated electronics.

Fully Solution‐Processed Polymeric Multilayer Piezoelectric Devices

AbstractThis study demonstrates fully solution‐processed polymeric multilayer piezoelectric devices. The key challenge, the effective control of the redissolution issue that will cause severe electrical shorting and inconsistent piezoelectric output, is overcome by searching for and using a solvent that offers adequate solubility but extremely slow dissolution for the piezoelectric polymer. The solvent screening methodology is established and demonstrated. The process parameters is systematically optimized to maximize the piezoelectric performance of the multilayer devices. The multilayer devices can output a high charge density of 376 µC m−2, even higher than the record charge density of 250 µC m−2 achieved by traditional contact electrification‐based triboelectric nanogenerators operated in ambient air. The crucial factors for increasing device fabrication yield, namely resistance to short circuits and poling‐induced breakdown, are analyzed. The potential of multilayer devices in practical applications is demonstrated using a five‐layer device as a direct power source and energy harvester. More importantly, the process developed here is transferrable for cost‐effective high‐throughput roll‐to‐roll production. This work thus lays the foundation for the mass production of polymeric multilayer piezoelectric devices and paves the way for their future commercialization.

Nanocellulose‐reinforced, anti‐freezing, highly conductive ionic organic hydrogels for flexible electronic devices

AbstractCurrently, flexible electronic devices based on ionic conductive hydrogels are receiving widespread attention in the field of human health detection. In this paper, a facile one‐pot method is proposed for the preparation of ionic organic hydrogels, in which polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), cellulose nanofiber (CNF), and graphene oxide (GO) are dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide‐water (DMSO/H2O), and the organic hydrogel is obtained by a freezing–thawing process. The ionic organic hydrogel with excellent properties is then prepared by soaking the hydrogel in a calcium chloride (CaCl2) solution using a salting‐out strategy. The ionic organic hydrogel possesses good tensile (283%) and strength (0.3 MPa), super electrical conductivity (7.72 S/m), and high strain sensitivity [gauge factor (GF) up to 5.22]. Meanwhile, it has excellent anti‐freezing and moisturizing properties. In addition, the ionic organic hydrogels can be used in flexible strain sensors and triboelectric nanogenerators to realize real‐time monitoring of human motion, traceless writing, and energy conversion. It is foreseen that the prepared ionic organic hydrogels provide a feasible method for realizing the long‐term use of wearable electronic devices in extreme environments and daily life.

Hydrophobic and Elastic Structural Triboelectric Materials Enabled by Template Method toward Real-Time Material Recognition.

Since each material has a unique ability to lose or obtain electrons, specific triboelectric signals are produced when triboelectric materials are in contact with different objects. Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) devices show great potential for use as tactile sensors; nevertheless, analyzing the structure-function relationship of functionalized triboelectric sensing interfaces under environmental conditions and improving the sensing stability and accuracy through the design of hydrophobic structure on the triboelectric material surface remain major challenges in the development of intelligent sensing networks. Compared with the traditional rigid micronanostructure, the elastic micronanostructure strategy is applied to achieve both hydrophobicity and stability of triboelectric materials based on the template method in this work. The corresponding surface roughness and contact angle are 89.9 nm and 117.9°, respectively. As expected, the output voltage and charge density are enhanced by almost 65.8 and 33.4%, respectively, with the establishment of an elastic micronanostructure on the triboelectric material surface. More importantly, the triboelectric signal waveforms also present acceptable durability for subsequent recognition after immersion in water or ethanol for 12 days and metal impact for 12 000 cycles. Hence, combined with deep machine learning and triboelectric effect, a material perception system integrated with a moisture-resistant TENG-based sensor after fatigue testing, data processing, and display modules is also developed for real-time monitoring with approximately 100% (mask), 76% (plank), 93% (plastic), and 89% (rubber) identification accuracies in the natural environment. Finally, the proposed hydrophobic and elastic triboelectric materials show broad potential for application in the field of human-computer interaction.

A review for design, mechanism, fabrication, and application of magnetically responsive microstructured functional surface

Abstract Magnetically responsive microstructured functional surface (MRMFS), capable of dynamically and reversibly switching the surface topography under magnetic actuation, provides a wireless, noninvasive, and instantaneous way to accurately control the microscale engineered surface. In the last decade, many studies have been conducted to design and optimize MRMFSs for diverse applications, and significant progress has been accomplished. This review comprehensively presents recent advancements and the potential prospects in MRMFSs. We first classify MRMFSs into one-dimensional linear array MRMFSs, two-dimensional planar array MRMFSs, and dynamic self-assembly MRMFSs based on their morphology. Subsequently, an overview of three deformation mechanisms, including magnetically actuated bending deformation, magnetically driven rotational deformation, and magnetically induced self-assembly deformation, are provided. Four main fabrication strategies employed to create MRMFSs are summarized, including replica molding, magnetization-induced self-assembly, laser cutting, and ferrofluid-infused method. Furthermore, the applications of MRMFS in droplet manipulation, solid transport, information encryption, light manipulation, triboelectric nanogenerators, and soft robotics are presented. Finally, the challenges that limit the practical applications of MRMFSs are discussed, and the future development of MRMFSs is proposed.

AI‐Enhanced Gait Analysis Insole with Self‐Powered Triboelectric Sensors for Flatfoot Condition Detection

AbstractFlatfoot is an orthopedic malformation where the inner foot arch flattens during motion, potentially leading to chronic musculoskeletal issues. Monitoring foot conditions is essential, as existing screening methods often need more objectivity and cost‐effectiveness. This research develops an insole‐based screening device using self‐powered triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) as tactile sensors and Arduino hardware setup. TENG converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, offering simple fabrication, cost‐effectiveness, longevity, and high‐output power benefits. The device records the electrical output generated by foot movements via Arduino and sends data via Bluetooth to the processing tool. Machine learning algorithms employing the Random Forest Classifier process the data to detect flatfoot conditions accurately after training sessions. For data collection, 100 participants are asked to march and walk for the same duration and distance, ensuring consistent output. Analysis reveals that the insoles' middle sensors produce higher electricity levels in individuals with flatfoot, showing a uniform pressure distribution across the foot and contact in the arch area. In contrast, individuals with normal feet exert more pressure on the toe and heel foot areas. The system achieves an overall accuracy of 82%, demonstrating the insole's potential as a commercial flatfoot detection device.

A Double‐Arch‐Structured Hybrid Triboelectric and Piezoelectric Nanogenerator Based on Polyvinylidene Fluoride/Graphene Oxide Composite Films

In this study, a methodology for fabricating double‐arch triboelectric and piezoelectric composite nanogenerators using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and graphene oxide (GO) is presented. Initially, nanofiber films comprising PVDF/GO are synthesized through electrostatic spinning. Subsequently, the PVDF/GO film is integrated with cotton fibers and a copper electrode to construct the triboelectric layer. In contrast, another portion of the PVDF/GO film, alongside a copper electrode, comprises the piezoelectric layer, with the central copper electrode acting as a common electrode. Finally, a double‐arch structure is established by employing polyethylene terephthalate film to facilitate synergistic operation between the triboelectric and piezoelectric layers. In the experimental results, it is indicated that the maximum open‐circuit voltage and short‐circuit current of the triboelectric layer of the double‐arch structure are 330 V and 36 μA, respectively, representing increases of 44% and 50% compared to those of the sandwich triboelectric structure. Additionally, the maximum open‐circuit voltage and short‐circuit current of the piezoelectric layer are 22 V and 4 μA, respectively, reflecting enhancements of 57% and 100% over those of conventional sandwich piezoelectric structures. The output power of the double‐arch composite nanogenerator is capable of lighting up 120 light‐emitting diodes. Thus, this composite nanogenerator shows great potential as an environmentally friendly energy source.

Sustainable Biopolymers in Eco-Friendly Triboelectric Energy Harvesting.

Biopolymer-based triboelectric nanogenerators (B-TENGs) represent an innovative fusion of eco-friendly, sustainable energy-harvesting technology with renewable and environmentally benign biopolymer material. This integration not only introduces novel pathways for advancing green energy solutions but also offers a critical approach to addressing contemporary environmental challenges and fostering sustainable progress. Over the past few years, B-TENGs have seen rapid and remarkable growth in the realm of biopolymers, device architecture, and their applications (e.g., implantable power source, electronic medicine, human anatomical and physiological movements monitoring sensors, etc.). In this review article, the promising developments in harnessing triboelectric biopolymers are encapsulated, enumerate their representative applications, evaluate the pros and cons of these biopolymers, highlight key challenges for future research, and offer strategic recommendations for innovating and realizing advanced B-TENGs.

High-Performance Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on Silk Fibroin-MXene Composite Film for Diagnosing Insomnia Symptoms.

In this study, we developed a flexible, biocompatible, and high-output electrical performance triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) employing a silk fibroin (SF)-MXene composite film (SF-MXene-F) and a PDMS film as the friction layer. The inclusion of MXene in the SF film increased its surface charge density, presenting a practical approach to designing high-performance SF composite film-based TENGs. At a MXene content of 40%, our SF-MXene composite film-based TENG (SF-MXene-FTENG) achieved optimal output electrical performance, featuring a maximum open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 418 V, a maximum short-circuit current (Isc) of 11.6 μA, and a maximum output power density of 9.92 W/m2. The Voc and power densities of the SF-MXene-FTENG surpassed previously reported optimal values for SF-based TENGs by 1.6 and 3.8 times, respectively. Furthermore, leveraging the exceptional biocompatibility and light shading performance of TENGs, we designed a wearable smart TENG eye mask capable of diagnosing insomnia symptoms and monitoring sleep quality in real time. The SF-MXene-FTENG holds promising application potential as a wearable electronic device for diagnosing sleep-related diseases.