Advances in Inorganic Nanomaterials for Triboelectric Nanogenerators

Abstract

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) that utilize triboelectrification and electrostatic induction to convert mechanical energy to electricity have attracted increasing interest in the last 10 years. As a universal physical phenomenon, triboelectrification can occur between any two surfaces that experience physical contact and separation regardless of the type of material. For this reason, many materials, including both organic and inorganic materials, have been studied in TENGs with different purposes. Although organic polymers are mainly used as triboelectric materials in TENGs, the application of inorganic nanomaterials has also been intensively studied because of their unique dielectric, electric, piezoelectric, and optical properties, which can improve the performance of TENGs. A review of how inorganic nanomaterials are used in TENGs would help researchers gain an overview of the progress in this area. Here, we present a review to summarize how inorganic nanomaterials are utilized in TENGs based on the roles, types, and characteristics of the nanomaterials.

Melamine-Foam-Based Shape Memory Nanocomposite for a Highly Durable Triboelectric Nanogenerator

“…The presence of a triboelectric layer with more surface area increases the contact of the triboelectric layers and generates surface charges in the effect of force, which is the reason for improving the TENG's performance. 18 Also, the trend of voltage for these TENGs is…”

“…Incorporating suitable nanomaterials into the triboelectric layer and converting it into a nanocomposite facilitate enhanced contact of layers under an external force (i.e., increasing surface charges), resulting in the amplified dielectric constant. This enhancement, in turn, significantly boosts the performance of the TENG. , Furthermore, employing porous materials as the triboelectric layer has many advantages. Pores act as trapping regions for electrons.…”

Fluidics for energy harvesting: from nano to milli scales

“…Although triboelectric series have been established for a long time, the study of liquid–solid contacts calls for their modification. This requires research into new materials, new composites involving carbon nanotubes, 56 graphene 57 and systematic studies. These materials must be mechanically resistant, hydrophobic and possess a high surface charge.…”

Recent Development of Morphology‐Controlled Hybrid Nanomaterials for Triboelectric Nanogenerator: A Review

“…Zhang et al. assessed and anchored the advancement of inorganic materials for TENG [3b] . Zhang et al.…”

“…The TENG was developed by Wang et al. in 2012 and the conversion is entirely depended on the triboelectric effect and electrostatic induction [1c,2d,3b,c] . Subsequently, the TENGs dominates the benefits that comprise higher energy conversion efficiency, output efficiency, facile fabrication, minimal cost, lightly built, broad range of materials, and different working modes [3c–e] .…”