Self‐Healable Triboelectric Nanogenerators: Marriage between Self‐Healing Polymer Chemistry and Triboelectric Devices

Abstract

Based on the triboelectrification and electrostatic induction coupling, tribo electric nanogenerators (TENGs) can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, showing a promising potential in the fields of micro/nano energy and self-powered sensors applications. However, the devices are prone to malfunction due to fatigue and damage, limiting their development and applications. In this review, according to the working modes and operational malfunctions as well as the possible solutions, it is proposed that a robust TENG device can be constructed from three perspectives: self-healing friction layers, self-healing electrodes, and self-healing whole devices. Based on the structure, suitable environment, and self-healing materials, the design ideas and fabrication approaches of self-healing TENGs in recent years are summarized in detail. Finally, the development of self-healing TENGs in energy harvesting and self-powered sensors is outlined. It is the wish to provide insights and guidance for the application design of self-healing TENGs in the future.

An Advanced Strategy to Enhance TENG Output: Reducing Triboelectric Charge Decay

“…In Figure 4c, the triboelectric layer is divided into n tiers in parallel to the surface. The amount of the charge quantity q(i, t) carried by the ith tier is described as the difference by Equation (10). Equation ( 11) is the Gaussian distribution function that describes the probability distribution of charge drift distance, and Equation ( 12) is the electric field described by the Gauss theorem with space and time.…”

“…[2][3][4] Alternatively, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) was first demonstrated in 2012 by Wang's group, and TENG can convert mechanical energy from the environmental into electrical energy. [5][6][7][8][9][10] With the merits of simple operation, convenience, security, and environmental protection, TENG has been widely applied in self-powered sensors, [11,12] and exhibits a great advantage in IoT. [13][14][15] At present, how to enhance TENG output performance has become an eternal hot research spots, as it is crucial for TENG large-scale commercial use in IoT.…”

Analysis and Experiment of Self‐Powered, Pulse‐Based Energy Harvester Using 400 V FEP‐Based Segmented Triboelectric Nanogenerators and 98.2% Tracking Efficient Power Management IC for Multi‐Functional IoT Applications

“…TENGs induce an alternating current (AC) by forming charges on the material surface upon contact and separation. [15][16][17][18] Previous works on TENG for wearable electronics have used various sizes, [19][20][21][22][23] for example, 16.5 × 11.4 cm 2 , [19] 6 × 5 cm 2 , [20] 2 cm diameter, [22] and 1.5 × 1 cm 2 . [23] The widely varying dimensions may be attributed to the different locations on the human body where the TENG is attached.…”

Self-Powered Sterilization System for Wearable Devices Based on Biocompatible Materials and Triboelectric Nanogenerator

“…Therefore a self-powered sterilization system is strongly appealing. The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), which harvests low-frequency and disordered energy, is compatible as a power module in various complex environments. − The TENG can realize high-voltage and low-current output characteristics without complicated circuitry, which improves safety while achieving the sterilization process and perfectly fulfills the sterilization requirements of wearable electronics. − Unfortunately, the output of most wearable TENGs currently under investigation is only a few to tens or hundreds of volts, − which is not sufficient to generate a local electric field for sterilization of the local electric field intensity needed to exceed 10 6 V m –1 to achieve effective sterilization. − …”