Triboelectric Nanogenerators: From Basic Mechanisms to Sustainable Energy Applications

Triboelectric nanogenerators, as an emerging mechanical energy collection technology, provide sustainable energy solutions for the Internet of Things and wearable devices through the synergistic effect of contact charging and electrostatic induction. This technology can efficiently collect low-frequency mechanical energy in the environment and has advantages such as diverse material selection and flexible structural design. TENG has developed four typical working modes: the vertical contact separation mode is suitable for vibration energy collection, the sliding friction mode realizes rotational energy conversion, the single-electrode mode is convenient for wearable integration, and the independent friction layer mode provides high output stability. However, the practical application of TENG still faces challenges such as unclear contact charging mechanism, environmental sensitivity, and large-scale preparation. Through material modification, surface engineering, TENG has demonstrated great potential in fields such as environmental energy harvesting, self-powered sensing and medical electronics. Future research should focus on the development of wide-temperature range materials, machine learning-assisted structural design, and breakthroughs in energy management technologies to promote the transition of TENG from the laboratory to industrial application.