Recent advances and prospective strategies for improving the performance of triboelectric nanogenerators

Abstract

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have gained significant devotion in the field of energy extraction and self-powered sensor development due to their unique combination of contact electrification and electrostatic induction. Over the past few years, researchers have made significant advancements in material synthesis along with device technology. This has led to the development of multiple methods, concepts, and theoretical analyses aimed at improving the TENG performance. This review delivers an inclusive overview of the research progress in enhancing the output performance of TENGs using various approaches. The overview covers four main aspects: surface material modifications of TENGs, structural engineering strategy, power management, and applications. Initially, this section provides an introduction to the fundamental principles, operational methods, theoretical framework, and material choices for TENGs. Additionally, the different surface modification and treatment methods for TENGs are categorized. Surface materials can be modified through different treatment methods, which are categorized into physical and chemical alterations. Next, we will explore various techniques to enhance the output power of TENGs using structural engineering methods. These techniques include employing multilayer structures, creating a TENG stack, and designing electrodes for TENGs. Furthermore, this text provides a summary of the current techniques used to enhance the efficiency of TENGs in terms of power supply, including power management and charge boosting. In addition, the assessment also discusses the use of TENGs in emerging fields involving wearable electronics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and self-powered applications for sensors. Finally, considering the current advancement, we thoroughly analyze the significant issues and propose future research directions and challenges in a systematic manner.