Triboelectric Nanogenerator Research Articles

Dynamic Monitoring the Friction Transmission of Mine Hoist Using Triboelectric Nanogenerators Self‐Powered Sensor Based on Different Surface Structures Embedded in the Friction Lining

The friction lining is a critical component of the friction hoist, serving as the driving force for lifting through its interaction with the wire rope. Monitoring the friction state between the wire rope and the friction lining is crucial as it directly impacts lifting capacity, work efficiency, and overall safety. By employing finite element simulation and creating surface microstructures on triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) using ultraviolet laser, this study demonstrats that microstructure can improve voltage output. Compared with TENG without morphology, the voltage is increased by nearly seven times, reaching 2.28 V. Moreover, experiments revealed that embedding TENG at the optimal standard point of the friction lining enables effective monitoring of friction transmission under varied conditions, with the voltage signal showing synchronization with friction force. Notably, the voltage reached 520 mV under increasing specific pressures and stabilized around 670 mV with rising sliding speeds. This research represents a significant step toward real‐time monitoring of intelligent mining systems by dynamically observing friction transmission in mine hoists.

A Synergistically Enhanced Triboelectric-Electromagnetic Hybrid Generator Enabled by Multifunctional Amorphous Alloy for Highly Efficient Self-Powered System.

Triboelectric-electromagnetic hybrid generator (TEHG) has emerged as an effective technology for mechanical energy harvesting. However, the independent operation of triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and electromagnetic generator (EMG), along with tribo-materials wear and magnetic field divergence, constrain the device's overall performance. To address these challenges, a synergistically enhanced TEHG (SE-TEHG) is proposed based on the multifunctional amorphous alloy. Following detailed material analyses, Fe72Si8B20 is selected as the synergistic layer for its low surface roughness, high Vickers-hardness, amorphous structure, and high magnetization. Compared to Al, this material not only boosts TENG's output current and current retention rate by 28.75% and 85.24%, but also improves EMG's output power by 51.05%. In constructing a self-powered system with TEHG, a significant impedance discrepancy exists between the energy harvester (with matched impendence of 16 MΩ for TENG and 110 kΩ for EMG) and the application end. Without power management circuits, the demonstrated self-powered variable impedance system achieves an energy utilization efficiency that is 2.98 times greater than the conventional constant impedance system. The integration of multifunctional materials to realize strong-coupling hybrid generators, combined with the customization of variable impedance systems, set a milestone in efficient mechanical energy harvesting and utilization.

Multifunctional Smart Fabrics with Integration of Self-Cleaning, Energy Harvesting, and Thermal Management Properties.

Due to their good wearability, smart fabrics have gradually developed into one of the important components of multifunctional flexible electronics. Nevertheless, function integration is typically accomplished through the intricate stacking of diverse modules, which inevitably compromises comfort and elevates processing complexities. The integration of these discrete functional modules into a unified design for smart fabrics represents a superior solution. Here, we put forward a rational approach to functional integration for the typical challenges of thermal management, energy supply, and surface contamination in smart fabrics. This sandwich-structured multilayer fabric (MLF) is obtained by continuous electrospinning of two layer P(VDF-HFP) fabric and one layer P(VDF-HFP) fabric functionalized with core-shell SiO2/ZnO/ZIF-8 (SZZ) nanoparticles. Specifically, MLFs achieve effective and stable energy harvesting in triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) with hydrophobicity and antibacterial properties. Meanwhile, MLFs also have high mid-infrared emissivity and sunlight reflectivity, successfully realizing radiative cooling under different climates, and have been applied in wearing clothing, roof shading, and car covers. This work may contribute to the design and manufacturing of next-generation thermal comfort smart fabrics and wearable electronics, particularly in terms of the rational design of multifunctional devices.

Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on Tin Doped Zinc Oxide and Polyvinyl Alcohol Composite Thin Film for Energy Harvesting Applications

The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) collects mechanical energy from its surroundings and converts it to electrical signals that can be used in sustainable energy harvesting technologies to help maintain the social ecosystem. However, TENG operation with pure triboelectric material may not be sufficient to power a small electronic system without modification. The optimal material capable of producing significant electrical energy with flexible structures remains a major barrier to practical application. In this study, tin-doped zinc oxide (Sn:ZnO) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite thin films were prepared using a simple solution immersion technique at various Sn atomic percentage (at.%) concentrations for use in TENG devices. The crystalline quality of a composite thin film made of Sn:ZnO and PVA was identified using x-ray diffraction. The microstructure changes of the composite thin film were found to be influenced by Sn doping, as studied using optical microscopy. The TENG with 2.5 at.% Sn:ZnO/PVA composite thin film and Kapton film achieved the highest peak voltage of 8.5 V in open circuit and 90 µW output power at 1 MΩ. The produced electrical output was then used to store energy in capacitors. According to its TENG properties, the Sn:ZnO/PVA composite thin film-based TENG has the potential to be used in low power electronic devices.

Charge Generation and Enhancement of Key Components of Triboelectric Nanogenerators: A Review.

The past decade has witnessed remarkable progress in high-performance Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) with the design and synthesis of functional dielectric materials, the exploration of novel dynamic charge transport mechanisms, and the innovative design of architecture, making it one of the most crucial technologies for energy harvesting. High output charge density is fundamental for TENG to expand its application scope and accelerate industrialization; it depends on the dynamic equilibrium of charge generation, trapping, de-trapping, and migration within its core components. Here, this review classifies and summarizes innovative approaches to enhance the charge density of the charge generation, charge trapping, and charge collection layers. The milestone of high charge density TENG is reviewed based on material selection and innovative mechanisms. The state-of-the-art principles and techniques for generating high charge density and suppressing charge decay are discussed and highlighted in detail, and the distinct charge transport mechanisms, the technologies of advanced materials preparation, and the effective charge excitation strategy are emphatically introduced. Lastly, the bottleneck and future research priorities for boosting the output charge density are summarized. A summary of these cutting-edge developments intends to provide readers with a deep understanding of the future design of high-output TENG.

Significantly Enhanced Output Performance of Triboelectric Nanogenerators via Charge Storage and Release Strategy.

As a novel energy harvesting technology, bettering the output performance of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) is vital. Although quite a number methods to increase charge density have been proposed, challenges such as high impedance matching and low output current persist, severely limit the energy utilization efficiency of TENGs. Here, a new power management circuit (PMC) is proposed that through charge storage and release strategy. This circuit first excites the surface charge of the TENG using the charge excitation circuit, and then releases the stored charge through a self-triggered switch. Compared to a standard TENG, the output current of the TENG with this PMC is increased by a factor of 1108, the impedance is decreased from 100 MΩ to 10 kΩ, and the energy utilization efficiency is markedly improved. This work affords a reference for enhancing the output performance of TENG, reducing impedance, and broading the utility attainable of TENGs.

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

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

Multilayer Bionic Tunable Strain Sensor with Mutually Non‐Interfering Conductive Networks for Machine Learning‐Assisted Gesture Recognition

AbstractFlexible strain sensors capable of acquiring tiny mechanical signals and attaching to various irregular surfaces are becoming prevalent in physiological measurement, soft robotics, and human‐machine interaction. However, the advancement of flexible strain sensors is substantially impeded by the intrinsic compromise between sensitivity and the range of detectable signals. Inspired by the multilayer structure of nacre in nature, a carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/graphene (GR)/graphene (GR)/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) mat (CGGTM) is prepared by electrospinning and high‐pressure spraying technology. By designing a multilayer structure with mutually non‐interfering conductive networks, the resulting CGGTM possesses a low detection limit (0.05% strain), high sensitivity (gauge factor, GF > 152537), large detection range (up to 364% strain), fast response/recovery time (80 ms/100 ms), and excellent cyclic durability (up to 1000 cycles). Furthermore, the CGGTM also exhibits satisfactory triboelectric performances when assembled into a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG, 3 × 3 cm2), including high triboelectric output (open‐circuit voltage Voc = 135.4 V, short‐circuit current Isc = 1.25 µA) and power density (88 mW m−2), enabling reliable power supply, self‐powered sensing, and pulse monitoring capability. Finally, CGGTM is successfully applied to the collection of biological signals and multi‐gesture motion recognition assisted by machine learning algorithms, which holds promise for intelligent interaction with gestures in the future.

Micro water energy harvesting system based on tubular triboelectric nanogenerator

Abstract Constructing a micro-water energy-harvesting system for the power supply of micro-nano sensors in pipeline liquid transmission networks is of great significance. In this study, a micro water energy harvesting system based on a tubular triboelectric nanogenerator was designed, which achieves efficient energy harvesting and conversion by directly collecting the charge of the friction layer without the electrostatic induction effect. First, the working principle of the liquid-solid triboelectric nanogenerator is analyzed based on multi-physic coupling, and the potential distribution in the charge transfer process is analyzed. Second, the effects of liquid flow, pipe length, inner diameter, and material on the output characteristics of the triboelectric nanogenerator were investigated. Finally, the load power supply characteristics of the triboelectric nanogenerator were presented. The output characteristics of the liquid-solid triboelectric nanogenerator were proportional to the flow rate and inversely proportional to the inner diameter of the pipe. The output power of the liquid-solid triboelectric nanogenerator can be charged and stored by the capacitor through the rectifier bridge, and at least 30 LED lamp beads can be driven at a flow rate of 650 ml·min-1. This research has the potential to be applied to the construction of self-powered liquid-state monitoring intelligent sensors in pipeline networks.

A Star‐Nose‐Inspired Bionic Soft Robot for Nonvisual Spatial Detection and Reconstruction

The star‐nosed mole is recognized as a tactilely sensitive mammal due to its unique nose, which facilitates spatial detection in dark environments through touch using its appendages enveloped in numerous sensory receptors. This article introduces a bionic soft robot inspired by the star‐nosed mole, which combines a pneumatic soft platform with a polydimethylsiloxane–polyethylene terephthalate cylindrical tactile sensor array based on bilayer single‐electrode triboelectric nanogenerators, mimicking the muscle tissue of the mole's nose and the cylindrical appendages surrounded by Eimer's organs. The cylindrical sensor array enables multiangle spatial detection without an external power supply and remains unaffected by external materials. By implementing a constant curvature model for robot motion control, positional information is provided for the contact points between the cylindrical sensor array and the external environment. The robot effectively discriminates the distance and shape of various objects and achieves nonvisual 3D spatial detection and reconstruction in real‐world scenarios. This work presents a novel bionic approach for 3D spatial detection in nonvisual environments.

A hybrid triboelectric-piezoelectric-electromagnetic generator with the high output performance for vibration energy harvesting of high-speed railway vehicles

With the rapid development of intelligent high-speed train, people's travel becomes more convenient, time-saving and comfortable. However, the increase in the number of equipped electronic facilities also brings more power consumption. While the ultra-high voltage drive power system cannot directly drive its numerous devices and the vibrational energy of high-speed trains is completely abandoned. Herein, a hybrid triboelectric-piezoelectric-electromagnetic generator (HTG) is proposed to drive the signal and sensing devices of high-speed train by in-situ harvesting the corresponding vibration energy. Compared with commercial polyformaldehyde film, the output power of triboelectric nanogenerator with the polyformaldehyde nanofiber film prepared by electrospinning technology is improved by 130 times. Furthermore, thanks to the high space utilization and output performance, the HTG has achieved a power-density of the order of kW/m3, which is an improvement of 1–3 orders of magnitude compared to previous research work on vibration energy collection. Importantly, the self-powered wireless motion monitoring system based on HTG can realize real-time monitoring and transmission of motion information such as speed, frequency and displacement. This finding not only gives an important way to efficiently harvest vibration energy, but also provides new ideas for the design of more economical, comfortable and intelligent high-speed trains.

High-Performance Rotating Structure Triboelectric-Electromagnetic Hybrid Nanogenerator for Environmental Wind Energy Harvesting.

As environmental energy harvesting gains increasing importance in self-powered systems and large-scale energy demands, wind energy, as a clean, pollution-free, and renewable source, has garnered widespread attention. However, achieving efficient wind energy collection remains challenging. This study proposes a high-performance rotating structure triboelectric-electromagnetic hybrid nanogenerator designed for environmental wind energy harvesting. By optimizing the magnetic circuit design of the electromagnetic generator, the dispersed radial magnetic field is converted into a unified axial magnetic field, enabling efficient power generation with only a single annular coil, thereby simplifying the generator design and reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs. Additionally, a triboelectric nanogenerator design with soft contact friction between polycarbonate (PC) fur and fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) film was implemented, optimizing the spacing between the electrode and friction layers, thus enhancing output performance and device durability. Furthermore, we simulated and experimentally tested the output waveform of the designed hybrid generator structure, with the results showing a high degree of similarity, further validating the rationality of the device design and providing guidance for structural optimization. Subsequently, we achieved efficient energy storage using an energy management circuit (EMC). With the integration of the EMC, the generator successfully powered a Bluetooth temperature and humidity sensor at a wind speed of 10 m/s, achieving wireless transmission, and demonstrating its potential application in traffic signal systems and other natural environmental systems. This research provides an important reference for further exploration of novel wind energy harvesting technologies.

Tailoring Ionic Salt in Chitosan-Activated Carbon-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Enhanced Mechanical Energy Harvesting

Tailoring Ionic Salt in Chitosan-Activated Carbon-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Enhanced Mechanical Energy Harvesting

Constructing Long and Stable Ag‐Al2O3 Core–Shell Nanowires for Humidity Sensing and Triboelectric Energy Generation

Silver nanowires (AgNWs) are a promising alternative material to indium tin oxide as flexible transparent electrodes owing to their excellent optoelectrical properties and mechanical performance. However, the main challenge is the poor stability under diverse environments, ranging from high humidity, chemical exposure, and dynamic mechanical deformation. Herein, ultralong AgNWs (≈100 μm) have been synthesized via controlling growth kinetics by a facile acetic acid‐assisted solvothermal method, further decorated with a thin Al2O3 layer by electrodeposition to form a core–shell architecture. The resultant films based on Ag‐Al2O3 core–shell nanowires (NWs) possess a higher conductivity while preserving the optical transparency due to the enhanced NWs contact. More importantly, the constructed films exhibit strong resistance to various conditions, such as exposure to high temperature/humidity and immersion in NaCl, HCl, and Na2S solutions. The laser‐etched interdigital electrodes based on the chemically stable AgNWs are further integrated with graphene oxide layer for humidity sensing and respiration monitoring. Furthermore, the developed NWs with superior mechanical stability are constructed as triboelectric nanogenerators for electricity generation, and reliable output performance has been demonstrated. This work provides a convenient, scalable, and cost‐effective solution that offers great potential for designing robust, transparent electrodes for next‐generation flexible electronics.

A compliant mechanism actuated bistable hybrid mode triboelectric nanogenerator

Abstract Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) working in sliding mode offer higher power generation capability compared with those working in contact-separation mode (CS-TENGs). However, unlike CS-TENGs, sliding action can limit TENG lifespan due to wear and tear. A TENG combining both modes with intermittent sliding actions can overcome this limitation. In this study, we propose a bistable hybrid mode TENG (BHM-TENG) that can leverage the functionalities of the traditional sliding TENG and CS-TENG and achieve both durability and satisfactory performance, enabled by a compliant mechanism design. A self-rotating base introduces sufficient sliding during intermittent contact, leading to significant improvement in charge transfer (44%) and voltage output (58%) compared with the conventional TENGs while minimising wear and tear. The prototyped device, excited using compliant beams, can be effectively actuated even at extremely low input frequencies (<0.1 Hz), as explained by a mathematical model. The real-world energy harvesting applications enabled by BHM-TENG is proposed based on the output of BHM-TENG.

Are Triboelectric Nanogenerators More Efficient Than Piezoelectric Transducers in Generating Energy from Precipitation?

This review examines two primary methods for harvesting energy from precipitation: triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) and piezoelectric transducers, which are leading technologies in converting mechanical energy from rain into electrical energy. The comparison between TENGs and piezoelectric transducers focuses on their operational mechanisms, material characteristics, and environmental factors such as water pH and temperature. The review highlights that TENGs offer greater design flexibility, efficiency in low-intensity rain, and cost-effectiveness, while piezoelectric transducers excel in high-frequency environments. The development of hybrid systems combining both technologies presents a more efficient and sustainable solution for rain energy harvesting.

ZnO Nanowall Network-Based Tactile/Gesture Sensors and Prediction with Machine Learning.

In low-dimensional material systems, augmented physical and chemical properties may be witnessed through a unique morphological evolution. Here, we report the development of an optimized nanowall network of ZnO for the fabrication of a flexible single-electrode triboelectric nanogenerator (STENG)-based tactile and gesture sensors. The chemically grown nanowall network with an adequate pore area endows superior triboelectric output (current ∼0.6 μA and power ∼20 μW/cm2) by offering an optimum surface area and dielectric constant for pressure sensing applications. The rational comparison of the triboelectric properties of nanowall and nanorod structures of ZnO reveals that the higher surface area offered by the hollow walls leads to superior output characteristics. The demonstration of pressure sensitivity of the STENG ∼1 V/N is promising for self-powered tactile sensing applications. The array of STENG sensors, when attached to a user hand, generates distinguishable signals while holding objects of varying curvature and mass. Again, the observation of sensitivity of ∼0.1 V per degree during finger movement activity indicates the gesture sensing ability of the nanowall-based TENG system, facilitating sign language expression through the movement of fingers. Further, the generated electrical signals during tactile and gesture sensing can be classified and recognized through the deployment of machine learning (ML) techniques. In fact, the implementation of Random Forest and K-Nearest Neighbor models has offered an accuracy of 96% while recognizing the output signals generated by the sensor arrays. The demonstration of superior sensing characteristics with the optimized nanowall network may be advantageous in innovating prototype sensors for the differently abled people to distinguish or classify objects on the basis of material, morphology, and mass during their regular activities.

Enhancing Performance of Composite-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators Through Laser Surface Patterning and Graphite Coating for Sustainable Energy Solutions

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.

Hybrid Triboelectric‐Electromagnetic‐Electric Field Energy Harvester for Simultaneous Wind and Electric Field Energy Capture in High‐Voltage Transmission System

AbstractWith the development of smart grids, efficient condition monitoring of high voltage transmission system has become crucial, necessitating reliable power supplies for distributed sensors. Traditional energy harvesters often focus on either internal or external sources, limiting overall efficiency. This study introduces a triboelectric‐electromagnetic‐electric field hybrid energy harvester (TEE‐HEH) that synergistically integrates triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), electromagnetic generators (EMGs), and electric field energy harvesters (EEHs) to simultaneously capture electric field and wind energy. Electric field energy is harvested via displacement currents between transmission lines and the ground, while TENGs and EMGs efficiently capture low‐ and high‐speed wind energy, respectively, enabling broadband harvesting (2.3–10 m s−1). The synergistic combination of TENG, EMG, and EEH within the TEE‐HEH leads to significantly enhanced energy capture efficiency from multiple sources. At a wind speed of 5 m s−1, a transmission line voltage of 25 kV, and a distance of 1.5 m, the TEE‐HEH achieved peak power outputs of 18.5 mW (TENG), 262 mW (EMG), and 1.85 mW (EEH), demonstrating enhanced energy collection efficiency. An environmental monitoring system has been powered, demonstrating the TEE‐HEH's practicality for dual‐source energy harvesting in smart grid applications.

Bidirectional enhancement of output performance of nanogenerators by M-COFs materials

The emergence of nanogenerators, which have the ability to capture mechanical energy from the environment and to collect and transmit tiny energy, is rapidly becoming a hot research topic. The performance of electrode materials is the key to the efficiency of nanogenerators. Covalent organic skeletons (COFs), a class of crystalline organic porous materials with the advantages of large specific surface area, high porosity, tunable structure, and flexible tailorability, have very significant advantages in being used as nanogenerator materials. In this paper, we synthesised two COF materials to investigate the effect of the introduction of active metals on the friction power generation performance of COFs without changing their topology, COF-2 containing zinc ions is capable of generating a short-circuit current of 107.5 µA during friction. The porous structure increases the effective contact area to form a larger charge density, and the introduction of metal ions can accelerate the charge separation and transport. The two bidirectional synergistic effects of the materials significantly improve the output performance of the nanogenerator, and a simple and efficient method is explored for the enhancement of the output performance of COF-based triboelectric nanogenerators.