Enhancing sustainable energy harvesting with triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs): Advanced materials and performance enhancement strategies

The growing global energy demand and the pressing need for sustainable power solutions have intensified the search for innovative energy harvesting technologies. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have emerged as promising candidates due to their ability to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy efficiently. This paper provides a comprehensive review of advanced materials and performance enhancement strategies for TENGs, emphasizing their critical role in addressing the current energy crisis. This review explores the foundational principles and operational modes of TENGs, including vertical contact-separation, lateral sliding, single-electrode, and freestanding triboelectric-layer modes. The paper highlights TENGs’ unique attributes such as high efficiency at low frequencies, lightweight and flexible design, scalability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness, making them suitable for various applications. Key sections of this review focus on the advanced materials used in TENGs, including nanostructured surfaces and interfaces, hybrid and composite materials, and eco-friendly and biodegradable materials. Techniques such as nanoimprinting, etching, and nanomaterial coatings are discussed in detail, showcasing their impact on enhancing TENG performance. Furthermore, the review delves into performance enhancement strategies, covering multi-dimensional TENGs, optimization of contact electrification through surface modification, selection of triboelectric pairs, nano and microstructuring, and dynamic tuning mechanisms. By providing a thorough examination of these advanced materials and strategies, this paper underscores their importance in improving TENG efficiency and reliability, paving the way for sustainable energy solutions in the future.