In a groundbreaking advancement that could redefine the landscape of energy harvesting and sensor technology, a research team from Zhengzhou University has delivered a comprehensive review that systematically unravels the theoretical foundations and mechanistic frameworks of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). This pioneering work not only consolidates a deep understanding of TENGs but also introduces four avant-garde applications, setting the stage for these devices to impact a broad spectrum of scientific and engineering domains. By confronting persistent technical challenges head-on, this study charts actionable pathways toward next-generation breakthroughs in triboelectric technology.
Since their inception in 2012, triboelectric nanogenerators have exhibited exceptional promise, characterized by their ability to scavenge energy from ubiquitous low-frequency, low-velocity mechanical sources and convert it into usable electrical signals. Their unique working principle exploits the triboelectric effect and electrostatic induction to harness and amplify ambient mechanical energy, a feat that has significant implications across energy, sensing, and materials science. Notably, TENGs excel in converting high-entropy energy into stable electrical output, thereby overcoming limitations associated with traditional energy harvesters.
One of the most compelling features of TENGs is their ability to harvest energy from fluid dynamics, particularly from fluid flows that operate at low velocity and frequency—regimes that conventional fluid energy harvesters often fail to exploit efficiently. This capability opens an unexplored reservoir of “blue energy,” the large-scale power obtainable from oceans, rivers, and atmospheric phenomena. TENGs’ adaptability to distributed energy systems makes them promising candidates for powering remote sensors and devices, crucial for expanding the reach of the Internet of Things (IoT) and environmental monitoring networks.
Beyond energy harvesting, TENG-based sensors have demonstrated unprecedented sensitivity, positioning them at the forefront of intelligent sensing technologies. Their integration into self-adaptive sensor networks promises new paradigms for industrial IoT applications, enabling real-time monitoring of environmental parameters with enhanced accuracy and reliability. The inherent self-powered nature of these sensors eliminates the need for external batteries, an advantage that can dramatically reduce maintenance costs and extend device lifespans in harsh or inaccessible environments.
A distinct hallmark of triboelectric nanogenerators is their capability to generate extremely high voltages, sometimes reaching tens of kilovolts, as a direct consequence of the contact electrification mechanism. This high-voltage output is not merely an electrical curiosity but rather a functional asset that enables TENGs to serve as high-voltage power sources in a range of novel applications. The intense localized electric fields produced can drive unique interface probes and manipulation tools, expanding the role of TENGs beyond conventional energy collectors into active components in micro- and nanoscale device engineering.
Delving into the theoretical underpinnings, the review meticulously details the complex phenomena that govern triboelectric charge generation, including contact electrification at heterogeneous interfaces, intricate working modes of TENGs, and sophisticated theoretical models such as those predicting output performance and scaling effects. Of particular importance is the discussion of Figure-of-Merits (FOMs), which provide quantitative measures to benchmark and optimize TENGs’ performance, thereby enabling rational design approaches and facilitating their integration into practical systems.
The researchers also highlight TENGs’ exceptional ability to probe interfacial electron-transfer dynamics due to their reliance on contact electrification. This investigative potential transforms TENGs from passive energy harvesters into active experimental tools capable of dissecting charge transfer phenomena at material interfaces—a key scientific challenge that underlies many fields, including catalysis, corrosion, and semiconductor physics. By bridging fundamental science and application, TENGs inspire a wealth of derivative innovations poised to impact multiple disciplines.
Environmental remediation emerges as another promising frontier for TENG technology. The potent localized fields created by TENGs can enhance adsorption and degradation processes, effectively targeting pollutants at the microscale. This capability suggests a transformative role for TENG-enabled devices in water purification, air filtration, and other sustainability applications. The synergy of energy harvesting and active environmental management could foster integrated systems that both monitor and mitigate ecological impacts autonomously.
Scalability remains a critical concern in translating TENG research from laboratory prototypes to widespread practical deployment. Impressively, the comprehensive theoretical groundwork laid out by the Zhengzhou team demonstrates TENGs’ scalability potential, indicating that the energy harvested from fluid motions—both in small-scale distributed networks and large-scale blue energy installations—can be harnessed efficiently. This scalability is crucial for realizing sustainable, decentralized energy solutions that complement or even supplant traditional power infrastructures, especially in remote or off-grid locations.
Looking forward, the study underscores that the future of TENG technology lies in the convergence of its four cutting-edge application domains: fluid energy harvesting, self-adaptive sensing systems, high-voltage power sources, and precision interface probes. These frontiers will likely catalyze novel interdisciplinary research directions, combining materials science, electrical engineering, and environmental studies. The adaptability and multifunctionality of TENGs position them to revolutionize how we capture energy, detect environmental changes, and manipulate microscopic systems.
Despite the tremendous progress, the researchers candidly discuss the existing bottlenecks that stall broader adoption of TENGs. Key challenges include understanding the long-term stability and durability of triboelectric materials under continuous mechanical operation, optimizing the matching between mechanical and electrical parameters for maximal energy output, and scaling production techniques without compromising device performance. Addressing these obstacles requires concerted efforts in materials innovation, device engineering, and theoretical modeling.
The review also proposes strategic solutions aimed at accelerating TENG’s development pipeline. Advanced materials with enhanced triboelectric properties, novel structural designs to maximize charge transfer and mechanical resiliency, and improved theoretical models for precise performance prediction constitute the core of these recommendations. By harmonizing experimental research with computational insights, the TENG community can expedite the translation of laboratory discoveries into commercially viable technologies.
In essence, this comprehensive analysis not only consolidates TENGs as a transformative technology at the crossroads of physics, materials, and engineering but also offers a roadmap for their evolution into practical tools that address some of today’s most pressing energy and environmental challenges. With ongoing innovation, triboelectric nanogenerators are poised to transcend niche applications, making a substantive impact on future sustainable technology development.
Subject of Research: Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) – their theoretical framework and cutting-edge applications.
Article Title: Fundamental theory and cutting-edge applications of TENGs.
Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/2752-5724/adf132
References:
Xilong Kang, Pengbo Li, Daniil Yurchenko, Shuge Dai, Junlei Wang. Fundamental theory and cutting-edge applications of TENGs[J]. Materials Futures, 2025, 4(4). DOI: 10.1088/2752-5724/adf132
Image Credits: Junlei Wang and Xilong Kang from Zhengzhou University.
Keywords
Energy, Vibration, Triboelectric Nanogenerators, Fluid Energy Harvesting, Self-Adaptive Sensors, High-Voltage Power Sources, Interface Probes, Contact Electrification, Materials Science, Environmental Remediation, Blue Energy, IoT Sensors
