Natural Biopolymer Materials for Multifunctional Triboelectric Nanogenerators

Abstract

The technology of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) has risen to prominence as a viable solution for sustainable energy capture, facilitating the conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy via the triboelectric phenomenon. Recently, there has been a notable surge of interest in integrating natural biopolymer materials into TENGs, attributed to their intrinsic biodegradable, biocompatible, and eco-conscious properties. When used in TENGs, these materials not only exhibit effective triboelectric performance but also offer additional benefits, such as mechanical flexibility, low cost, and ease of processing. By leveraging the unique properties of biopolymers, TENGs can be designed for a wide array of applications, spanning from wearable electronics and healthcare monitoring gadgets to environmental sensors and motion tracking devices. Furthermore, the integration of these biopolymers promotes the progress of eco-friendly and sustainable technologies, aligning with global goals for environmental conservation and renewable energy utilization. This chapter highlights recent advancements, challenges, and future prospects in the realm of biopolymer-integrated multifunctional TENGs, emphasizing their capacity to revolutionize the domain of self-powered systems and sustainable energy solutions.