Dynamic Real‐Time Monitoring of Microalgal Photosynthesis Using Droplet Triboelectric Nanogenerators

Abstract Understanding microalgal photosynthesis is critical for enhancing cultivation efficiency and maximizing carbon fixation. However, conventional monitoring techniques often suffer from low temporal resolution or accuracy, hindering real‐time optimization of photometric parameters and leading to suboptimal system performance. Here, a new technique is developed to monitor the photosynthesis dynamics of Chlorella vulgaris using a droplet triboelectric nanogenerator (D‐TENG), enabling real‐time insights into its response to various photometric excitations through varying degrees of solid–liquid interfacial charge interactions. Exposure to red and blue lights increases the short‐circuit charge ( Q sc ) from 15 to 20 and 18 nC, respectively, suggesting enhanced microalgal photosynthetic activity. When photosynthesis is activated, the Q sc exhibits cyclic patterns due to the interplay between the light‐dependent reactions and Calvin cycle. Temperature‐dependent measurements support this trend, where cyclic periods decrease linearly with increasing temperature, reflecting reduced enzymatic efficiency of the Calvin cycle at lower temperatures. Furthermore, with increasing light intensity, the average short‐circuit charge ( Q avg ) exhibits a trend consistent with theoretical predictions of photoinhibition at high intensities. This work highlights D‐TENG's potential as a promising real‐time and noninvasive tool for monitoring microalgal photosynthesis, opening new avenues for probing the carbon fixation capabilities of various microalgae species under diverse lighting conditions.