Recent Progress in Self-Powered Sensors Based on Triboelectric Nanogenerators

The emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) has subverted people's lives, causing the rapid development of sensor technologies. However, traditional sensor energy sources, like batteries, suffer from the pollution problem and the limited lifetime for powering widely implemented electronics or sensors. Therefore, it is essential to obtain self-powered sensors integrated with renewable energy harvesters. The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), which can convert the surrounding mechanical energy into electrical energy based on the surface triboelectrification effect, was born of this background. This paper systematically introduces the working principle of the TENG-based self-powered sensor, including the triboelectrification effect, Maxwell's displacement current, and quantitative analysis method. Meanwhile, this paper also reviews the recent application of TENG in different fields and summarizes the future development and current problems of TENG. We believe that there will be a rise of TENG-based self-powered sensors in the future.

Automated summary

The emergence of IoT has led to the rapid development of sensor technologies, but traditional sensor energy sources like batteries have limitations. The TENG, which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, offers a solution. This paper introduces the working principle of TENG-based self-powered sensors, reviews its applications in different fields, and discusses future development and current challenges.