Research Progress on Polyvinyl Chloride-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators

Abstract

Triboelectric nanogenerators(TENGs) can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy and hold broad application prospects in fields such as wearable electronics, medical diagnostics, rehabilitation monitoring, and blue energy development. Polyvinyl chloride(PVC) possesses excellent triboelectric properties, low cost, and offers adjustable flexibility, transparency, and dielectric properties, making it highly suitable as a triboelectric material for TENGs. However, no one has yet reviewed the research progress on PVC-based triboelectric nanogenerators. This review systematically presents the working principles and operational modes of PVC-based TENG, and further summarizes the fabrication methods, current research progress, and application scenarios of TENGs constructed from different PVC architectures, including films and gels. We critically analyze current performance enhancement strategies from both material and structural perspectives, while addressing existing challenges and outlining future trajectories. This study provides a theoretical basis and technical insights to guide the material optimization and structural innovation of next-generation TENGs, so as to deepen the sustainable innovation.