Empowering high-performance triboelectric nanogenerators: advanced materials strategies

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) has heightened the urgency for advanced research in energy harvesting technologies. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) present a promising approach for converting high-entropy mechanical energy into electrical energy, particularly excelling in powering miniaturized and distributed electronic devices. Triboelectric materials are the fundamental component of high-performance TENGs. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the mechanisms and performance limitations of alternating-current (AC) and direct-current (DC) TENGs in detail. Furthermore, advanced materials-related strategies for high-performance AC-TENGs and DC-TENGs are thoroughly reviewed. Finally, it discusses emerging challenges and highlights opportunities for future research, offering valuable guidelines for the development of high-performance TENG technologies.