Advances in Inorganic Nanomaterials for Triboelectric Nanogenerators

Triboelectric nanogenerators(TENGs) that utilize triboelectrificationand electrostatic induction to convert mechanical energy to electricityhave attracted increasing interest in the last 10 years. As a universalphysical phenomenon, triboelectrification can occur between any twosurfaces that experience physical contact and separation regardlessof the type of material. For this reason, many materials, includingboth organic and inorganic materials, have been studied in TENGs withdifferent purposes. Although organic polymers are mainly used as triboelectricmaterials in TENGs, the application of inorganic nanomaterials hasalso been intensively studied because of their unique dielectric,electric, piezoelectric, and optical properties, which can improvethe performance of TENGs. A review of how inorganic nanomaterialsare used in TENGs would help researchers gain an overview of the progressin this area. Here, we present a review to summarize how inorganicnanomaterials are utilized in TENGs based on the roles, types, andcharacteristics of the nanomaterials.

Automated summary

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) that utilize triboelectrification and electrostatic induction to convert mechanical energy to electricity have attracted increasing interest in the last 10 years. Organic polymers are mainly used as triboelectric materials in TENGs, but the application of inorganic nanomaterials has also been intensively studied due to their unique properties that can improve TENG performance. A review on how inorganic nanomaterials are utilized in TENGs provides insight into the progress in this area.