Native proteins for triboelectric nanogenerators†

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are new self-powered sensors based on the triboelectric effect for converting ambient mechanical energy into electricity. Natural material-based TENGs conform to green development concepts because of their biodegradability and biocompatibility, and they are expected to become the next generation of leading self-powered electronic devices. Among them, natural protein materials are renewable biological materials with a wide range of sources, are rich in variety, and have great competitive potential for the manufacture of natural material-based TENGs. This review provides a general overview of the use of natural protein materials in the manufacture of TENGs in recent years. The categories, preparation methods, and various morphologies of these natural protein materials are summarized, and most natural protein-based TENGs (NP-TENGs) for practical applications are introduced. In this review, a major focus of the discussion is on the characteristics of the protein materials and morphological structures endowed with diverse functionalities, such as fibers, membranes, and porous materials. Ultimately, this study considers the unique potential, current challenges, and prospects of NP-TENGs, which hold substantial reference values in improving the electrical performance of NP-TENGs and broadening their application.