Carbon allotropes/fabrics-based triboelectric nanogenerators: Current progress and future perspectives

The paper presents a substantial review of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) development using different carbon allotropes and fabric materials. TENG has been state-of-the-art since the last decade due to its low cost, simple construction, high output and multifunctional applications. Based on their working mechanism, these prototypes have been developed using a wide range of nanomaterials and polymers to induce high open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current. Certain carbon-based nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes, graphene and others, have been found to be very effective due to their excellent electrical properties and biocompatibility. These carbon materials have been intertwined and fused with polymers to form effective energy generators and harvesters. Conjugating these carbon materials into certain flexible fabrics, like cotton, silk, polyester and others, has been largely successful. In addition to some of the factors that affect the performance of the nanogenerators, this paper also showcases some of the fabric-based prototypes, the performance of which has been enhanced by adding carbon materials. The market survey and the future perspectives have also been shown.