Evolution of Green Technology: Recyclable Electronic Waste Derived Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Self‐Powered Green Hydrogen Production through Biomechanical Energy Harvesting

Abstract With the growing global concern over electronic waste and energy sustainability, this study introduces a novel approach for the first time to convert e‐waste into functional energy devices. A contact‐separation mode triboelectric nanogenerator (P‐TENG) is fabricated using discarded printed circuit boards (PCBs) as the tribo‐negative layer and waste aluminum foil as the tribo‐positive layer. The device demonstrates a maximum open‐circuit voltage of 41.7 V, short‐circuit current of 0.73 µA, and a peak power density of 0.98 µW c.m. − 2 at an optimal external load of 70 MΩ. The P‐TENG exhibited force‐dependent behavior, with output increasing proportionally to applied mechanical force. Beyond powering small‐scale electronics such as LEDs, watches, and calculators, the P‐TENG is successfully applied to drive self‐powered hydrogen production via water splitting, using only biomechanical energy sources like tapping and walking, without any external power supply or energy storage components. This dual‐functional system highlights a novel waste‐to‐energy strategy, demonstrating for the first time the use of PCB‐derived TENGs for both sustainable electronics and clean fuel generation. The approach presents a scalable, low‐cost, and environmentally friendly pathway for addressing both e‐waste and renewable energy challenges.