Triboelectric Nanogenerators

Abstract

In the current era, the development of distributed energy sources utilizing solar, wind, thermal, and mechanical vibrations is a sustainable and cost-effective option. A unique and versatile option for harvesting environmental energy is the development of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG). Very low-frequency sources of the order of 10 Hz or lower such as those observed in raindrops, internal organs of humans and animals, and body motion have been effectively tapped using TENG. These nanogenerators harvest power in the form of displacement current by asymmetric screening of triboelectric charges. This chapter provides an overview of construction, working modes, functioning, advantages and disadvantages, and the various areas of applications of TENG. TENG offers a promising solution for efficient chemical sensing and biomechanical environmental energy harvesting applications.