Porous Polymer Materials in Triboelectric Nanogenerators: A Review

Abstract

Since the invention of the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), porous polymer materials (PPMs), with different geometries and topologies, have been utilized to enhance the output performance and expand the functionality of TENGs. In this review, the basic characteristics and preparation methods of various PPMs are introduced, along with their applications in TENGs on the basis of their roles as electrodes, triboelectric surfaces, and structural materials. According to the pore size and dimensionality, various types of TENGs that are built with hydrogels, aerogels, foams, and fibrous media are classified and their advantages and disadvantages are analyzed. To deepen the understanding of the future development trend, their intelligent and multifunctional applications in human–machine interfaces, smart wearable devices, and self-powering sensors are introduced. Finally, the future directions and challenges of PPMs in TENGs are explored to provide possible guidance on PPMs in various TENG-based intelligent devices and systems.

An Ultrasensitive Laser-Induced Graphene Electrode-Based Triboelectric Sensor Utilizing Trapped Air as Effective Dielectric Layer

“…A number of approaches to enhancing the output voltage of TENGs have been devised to date, using popular tribo-negative polymers such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), nylon and silicone rubber [ 2 , 9 , 33 , 34 , 35 ]. Various triboelectric sensors focusing on the use of dielectric materials have been reported to date [ 36 , 37 ]. In our study, we utilized air, which possesses a dielectric constant of 1, as an enhancer of the triboelectric output.…”

Cellulose-based green triboelectric nanogenerators: materials, form designs, and applications

“…Dielectrics with high dielectric constants can effectively store and release charges during the TENG cycle. 177 For cellulose-based materials, its dielectric constant can be adjusted by materials modification and developing composites. 69,178 Another key factor of charge density is the material forms.…”

Advanced Applications of Porous Materials in Triboelectric Nanogenerator Self-Powered Sensors

“…In existing porous material-based TENG, various structural forms of porous materials are studied, with the most extensively researched five categories being aerogels, sponge foams, electrospinning membranes, three-dimensional (3D) printed porous structures, and fabrics ( Figure 1 b). These porous materials serve as friction layers or electrode layers, significantly improving the sensing performance of TENG [ 7 ], while greatly expanding their application potential in special scenarios, including antibacterial dust removal, noise reduction, thermal insulation, and electromagnetic shielding.…”