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• In-situ curing of the hierarchical structure of the ionic polymer gel encapsulated within ecoflex. • The GPE-TENG demonstrates high durability, sustaining heavy mechanical deformations and environmental stability. • The GPE-TENG exhibits outstanding energy harvesting capabilities with a peak power density of 0.36 W m−2. • The GPE-TENG showed superior strain sensing capabilities for monitoring human activities and rehabilitation progress. • A self-powered wearable touch panel is developed for demonstrating touch track/pattern recognition and user identification. Gel-based sensors for next generation touch panels have been acknowledged for their exceptional sensitivity and flexibility. However, these sensors typically depend on a metal grid connection, which is susceptible to structural deformation under heavy stress applications and necessitates external power. Here, we report a novel in-situ cured gel polymer electrode-based triboelectric nanogenerator (GPE-TENG) that is stretchable, semi-transparent, and durable, designed to enable a self-powered touch panel for intelligent touch perception. The in-situ curing of the hierarchical structure of the ionic polymer gel encapsulated within the ecoflex ensures robust adhesion of the ionic conductive polymer gel (PEO/LiTFSI) to the ecoflex layers, addressing the issue of delamination in TENG components under mechanical stress. As a result, the GPE-TENG demonstrates high durability, enduring under stretching of approximately 375 % and sustaining heavy mechanical deformations (under folding, twisting, and rolling) over a long period (approximately 2 months) without loss of functionality. Remarkably, the GPE-TENG exhibits outstanding energy harvesting capabilities with a peak power density of 0.36 W m-2. Notably, the GPE-TENG generates electrical signals through simple device stretching, thus serving as a self-powered wearable sensor for human activity monitoring. Moreover, a 9-digital arrayed (3 × 3) flexible, semi-transparent, and self-powered touch panel based on the GPE-TENG shows multifunctionality, including touch track/pattern recognition (i.e. touch and sliding mode) and a highly accurate (∼98 %) deep learning assisted smart biometric system for user identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Gas-mask-integrated multi-dielectric flutter triboelectric generator (MF-TEG) was developed. • MF-TEG was systemically investigated in terms of various design variables. • Self-powered chemical warfare agent sensing mechanism of MF-TEG was established. • Self-powered emergency response gas-mask system (S-ERG) was ultimately realized. In hazardous environments, gas-mask wearers encounter various emergencies, and responding to such emergencies is crucial for safety and survival. In sudden or long-term emergencies, a self-powered gas-mask system must be established for continuous power supply to emergency-related electronics or for reliable self-powered sensing. However, a comprehensive analysis and the demonstration of a gas-mask integration design that considers breathing resistance, electrical output, and practical applications remain challenging. In this study, a gas-mask-canister-embedded inhalation-driven multi-dielectric flutter triboelectric generator (MF-TEG) was proposed to realize a self-powered emergency response gas-mask system (S-ERG). The MF-TEG was mechanically and electrically analyzed and optimized for various design variables. The canister with the MF-TEG generated stable electrical output (62 V, 500 Hz) during every inhalation, and the inhalation resistance was 7 % lower than permissible level, although the canister was compact. In the charging mode, the S-ERG demonstrated personal environmental monitoring and wireless location-tracking. A self-powered chemical warfare agent (CWA) sensing mechanism was established and analyzed for various variables. The S-ERG in the sensing mode, equipped with a signal-processing unit, could be used as a real-time personal CWA alert system. This study contributes to improving the practicality of TEGs as a promising energy technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For high-efficiency harvesting high-entropy ocean wave energy , spherical triboelectric nanogenerators (S-TENGs) is an innovated technology, this review mainly focuses on the recent advances of S-TENGs for harvesting high-entropy ocean wave energy and self-powered system. The potential difficulties and tough challenges that can impede their large-scale commercial applications are summarized and discussed. [Display omitted] • A review is discussed on present spherical TENG technology for the first time in high-entropy ocean wave energy. • Recent advances of spherical TENG on high-entropy ocean wave energy harvesting and self-powered sensing are summarized. • Relationship among the properties of triboelectric materials, device structures and output performances are analyzed. • Development and application for spherical TENGs to face the changeable and dangerous ocean environment are discussed. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) with the merits of low-cost, environmental friendliness is the most widely used and regarded as an innovated technology of harvesting high-entropy ocean wave energy (HE-OWE), considering as one of the promising sustainable and cleanable energy sources, which TENG with spherical structure is more favorable. This review mainly focuses on the recent advances of spherical (S)-TENGs for harvesting HE-OWE and self-powered system due to the absolute advantages of simple structure and fabrication more easily. From the perspective of working modes of S-TENGs in different ocean occasions, in-depth research on the relationship between triboelectric material properties, structural characteristics, and the electrical output performance of devices are compared for high efficiency development of HE-OWE. These S-TENGs shows the great potential for driving marine electronic devices and boosting the rapid development of marine economy inevitably. Furthermore, the potential values are explored and tough challenges that can impede their large-scale commercial applications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cost-effective, self-powered all-around disinfection system based on double-ring triboelectric nanogenerator (DR-TENG) is proposed for simultaneous disinfection of air and drinking water. The double-ring structure results in an average power of 188.74 mW, about 1.20 and 2.05-fold higher than traditional TENGs with only OR-TENG and IR-TENG structures, and the average power density per rotation is up to 20.04 mW/m2·rpm at the rotational speed of 300 rpm. [Display omitted] • A cost-effective, self-powered all-around disinfection system is developed. • The double-ring structure enables DR-TENG with ultrahigh APD/R of 20.04 mW/m2·rpm. • Simultaneous disinfection of air and water breaks the single environment barrier. • CECIC water disinfection efficiency increases as electric conductivity decreases. • The entire system cost can be as low as $12.92 for a 2-year service. The transmission of infectious diseases by bacteria in air and drinking water represents a significant challenge to public health. However, the majority of existing disinfection methods are dependent on a power grid and cannot achieve simultaneous disinfection when both air and drinking water are contaminated. Here a cost-effective, self-powered all-around disinfection system was developed based on double-ring triboelectric nanogenerator (DR-TENG) with an outer-ring TENG (OR-TENG) and an inner-ring TENG (IR-TENG). The double-ring structure enables DR-TENG to achieve an average power of up to 188.74 mW, which is approximately 1.20 and 2.05 times higher than that of traditional TENGs with OR-TENG and IR-TENG structures only, respectively. Subsequently, the two outputs of OR-TENG and IR-TENG can power UV lamps and tubular coaxial-electrode copper ionization cell (CECIC), respectively, for the simultaneous disinfection of air (>5-log disinfection efficiency within 5 min) and drinking water (>6-log disinfection efficiency at the HRT of 2 min), which breaks the limitation that traditional TENG-driven disinfection systems can only achieve disinfection in a single environment (air or water). A systematic investigation was conducted to examine the phenomenon of a reduction in disinfection efficiency with an increase in electric conductivity during CECIC drinking water disinfection. Meanwhile, the self-powered system is independent of the power grid, and a cost as low as $12.92 for a 2-year service enables the system to be cost-effective and expands the application scenarios. In the practical environment, the self-powered disinfection system can be used for simultaneous disinfection of air and drinking water in remote energy-scarce areas or densely populated spaces such as hospitals and schools, and will potentially promote family medical care and public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cost-effective, self-powered all-around disinfection system based on double-ring triboelectric nanogenerator (DR-TENG) is proposed for simultaneous disinfection of air and drinking water. The double-ring structure results in an average power of 188.74 mW, about 1.20 and 2.05-fold higher than traditional TENGs with only OR-TENG and IR-TENG structures, and the average power density per rotation is up to 20.04 mW/m2·rpm at the rotational speed of 300 rpm. [Display omitted] • A cost-effective, self-powered all-around disinfection system is developed. • The double-ring structure enables DR-TENG with ultrahigh APD/R of 20.04 mW/m2·rpm. • Simultaneous disinfection of air and water breaks the single environment barrier. • CECIC water disinfection efficiency increases as electric conductivity decreases. • The entire system cost can be as low as $12.92 for a 2-year service. The transmission of infectious diseases by bacteria in air and drinking water represents a significant challenge to public health. However, the majority of existing disinfection methods are dependent on a power grid and cannot achieve simultaneous disinfection when both air and drinking water are contaminated. Here a cost-effective, self-powered all-around disinfection system was developed based on double-ring triboelectric nanogenerator (DR-TENG) with an outer-ring TENG (OR-TENG) and an inner-ring TENG (IR-TENG). The double-ring structure enables DR-TENG to achieve an average power of up to 188.74 mW, which is approximately 1.20 and 2.05 times higher than that of traditional TENGs with OR-TENG and IR-TENG structures only, respectively. Subsequently, the two outputs of OR-TENG and IR-TENG can power UV lamps and tubular coaxial-electrode copper ionization cell (CECIC), respectively, for the simultaneous disinfection of air (>5-log disinfection efficiency within 5 min) and drinking water (>6-log disinfection efficiency at the HRT of 2 min), which breaks the limitation that traditional TENG-driven disinfection systems can only achieve disinfection in a single environment (air or water). A systematic investigation was conducted to examine the phenomenon of a reduction in disinfection efficiency with an increase in electric conductivity during CECIC drinking water disinfection. Meanwhile, the self-powered system is independent of the power grid, and a cost as low as $12.92 for a 2-year service enables the system to be cost-effective and expands the application scenarios. In the practical environment, the self-powered disinfection system can be used for simultaneous disinfection of air and drinking water in remote energy-scarce areas or densely populated spaces such as hospitals and schools, and will potentially promote family medical care and public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Human-skin inspired TENG with self-healing, anti-bacterial and high performance. • Heterogeneous interface coupling for stable self-healing wrinkle structure. • The highest output charge density (130 μC/m2) among reported S-TENGs was realized. • Self-powered multifunctional electronic skin was successfully demonstrated. Constructing micro/nano structures on frictional materials is a widely employed method for enhancing the output performance of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). However, the abundance of micro/nanostructured interfaces on self-healing materials tends to diminish quickly due to the rapid reformation of reversible chemical bonds under the synergistic effect of external force and their soft nature. To address this issue, we propose a heterogeneous interface coupling strategy to fabricate stabilized hierarchical wrinkle structures for self-healing TENGs (S-TENGs). In this innovative design, an ultra-thin ZnO nanowires (NWs)/self-healable PDMS (H-PDMS) heterogeneous interface is incorporated to prevent the self-healing process between the surface nanostructures, while ensuring the preservation of the self-healing performance of the H-PDMS matrix. The surface ZnO NWsprovide numerous charge trapping sites, which generates a charge density of 130 μC/m2, higher than that of reported S-TENGs. Meanwhile, the recovery rate at room temperature can reach 97% and 99% for the electrical output and mechanical property, respectively. Furthermore, abundant antibacterial active sites on ZnO NWs endow the S-TENG excellent antibacterial performance for E. coli and S. au. These remarkable features position our S-TENG as a superior choice for multifunctional electronic skins, enabling the safe collection of biomechanical energy, tactile sensing, and human–machine interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to comprehensively harness natural resources, a multifunctional triboelectric nanogenerator (MF-TENG) has been developed, capable of simultaneously harvesting wind energy and catching mist. The structure of MF-TENG is simple and cost-effective, facilitating the construction of an in-situ self-powered sensing system, and efficient catching of freshwater from mist. [Display omitted] • A multifunctional triboelectric nanogenerator (MF-TENG) is proposed for harvesting wind energy. • Electrical output performance of MF-TENG was enhanced by designed FEP-2 layer for high-efficiency mist catching. • A self-powered liquid level alarms system was successfully demonstrated. Wind and mist, two ubiquitous phenomena in the natural environment, hold considerable reservoirs of energy. As the focus on renewable energy and freshwater resources intensifies, they have become subjects of extensive research. However, there is a notable scarcity of effective technologies capable of concurrently harnessing both these resources. Here, a multifunctional triboelectric nanogenerator (MF-TENG), employing a rotational structure, has been demonstrated to concurrently harvest wind energy for electricity generation and catch freshwater from mist. Distinguished by an innovative sealing structure, the MF-TENG excels in efficiently catching mist while sustaining a high electrical output, and remarkably resilient to environmental humidity. The MF-TENG achieves an impressive peak open-circuit voltage of 5.44 kV and a peak transferred charge of 328 nC. Furthermore, it demonstrates a maximum mist-catching capacity of 1.867 kg m−2 h−1, coupled with an efficiency of 31.19 %. Notably, the incorporation of FEP-2 results in a remarkable surge of 211 % in open-circuit voltage and an impressive enhancement of 158 % in transferred charge for the MF-TENG at a rotation speed of 200 r/min. The work introduces a pioneering perspective for future sustainable energy and freshwater catching from mist, poised to significantly advance in the comprehensive utilization of natural resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A series of isostructural CPs with different metal centers were synthesized. • The output of CP-based TENGs was greatly improved by the metal centers. • CPs can serve as both catalysts and triboelectric materials. • A self-powered photocatalytic system was constructed by bifunctional CPs. The introduction of a material with two or more different physical and chemical properties into a complicated system to realize multitasks is an emerging trend, but designing and synthesizing bi-/multifunctional materials with well-defined mechanical tasks at the molecular level face great challenges. Herein, coordination polymers (CPs) were designed and synthesized as bifunctional molecular materials combining catalytic activity and triboelectric behavior to construct a self-powered photocatalytic system. By constructing a series of isostructural complexes with different central metal centers (Cd-CP , Mn-CP , and Mn/Cu-CP) and utilizing them as triboelectric layers to engineer CP-based triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), the output performance of TENGs was systematically explored and regulated. The electrical characterizations indicated that TENG based on Mn/Cu-CP exhibited the highest output, which attributed to the electron transfer facilitated by CuII ions. The Mn/Cu-CP-TENG presented optimal output and excellent stability could directly power blue lamp beads as a visible light source, which successfully induced a photocatalytic decarboxylative oxygenation reaction with Cd-CP , Mn-CP , and Mn/Cu-CP as catalysts. The results showed that Mn/Cu-CP was a high-efficient and stable photocatalyst to efficiently facilitate the photocatalytic process. This study not only demonstrated that the metal centers in CPs were significant influence the output performance of TENG, but also provided a pathway to highlight bifunctional CPs as triboelectric materials and catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For develop high-performance elastic-materials-based triboelectric materials, a simple and effective gradient-constructing process of triboelectric charge for fabricating elastic-polydimethylsiloxane-based materials with the high surface charge density, thereby enabling high power density, high responsivity and low manufacturing cost elastic-materials-based TENGs. [Display omitted] • Using gradient construction process prepares high performance elastic polydimethylsiloxane-based triboelectric material. • Output power density of gradient-constructed materials enhances than the pure structure and uniform-constructing. • EMB-TENGs exhibiting a high-sensitive and the coefficient of determination within the pressure range of 10 N to 40 N. • Developed a self-powered acquisition and calculation system in real-time. Elastic-materials-based triboelectric nanogenerators (EMB-TENGs) play a significant role in advancing the high-entropy energy harvesting and self-powered system, which increasing the power output is one of the most important fields for practical application. Here, we develop a polydimethylsiloxane-based triboelectric materials with high charge density by gradient-constructing strategy. Based on the materials of EMB-TENG is capable of outputting a power density of 2.48 W⋅m−3 under an external load resistance of 80 MΩ, which is increasing by 39.94 % and 23.19 % compared with pure and uniform-constructing, respectively. The coefficient of determination (R2) reaching up to 0.998 in the pressure range of 10 N to 40 N, and 0.943 in the pressure range of 40 N to 60 N. Additionally, resulting in the development of a self-powered sensing system and gaining the ability of real-time acquisition and calculation. This work has a comprising prospect of application in many areas including the development of novel triboelectric materials, theoretical research, energy harvesting and sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Self-polling effect by metal–organic frameworks was suggested to change the polarity of organics. • The performance of the nanogenerator was enhanced by the self-polling process. • Proof of concept for a self-powered signal trigger for a smart home control system was demonstrated. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) exhibit various unique properties, but these properties have not been fully utilized for the performance enhancement of triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). The MOFs with MIL-101(Cr) structure is a nanomaterial designed for extremely large pore structures than conventional MOF structures to absorb and desorb various solvents, which induces a new phenomenon, self-polling effect (SPE) in the organic materials. We verified and suggested the SPE mechanism of the N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) solvent by the MIL-101(Cr) structured MOFs in the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofibers. Because of the SPE, the MOFs-based composite NFs showed enhanced TENG output performances by additionally induced β -phase in the PVDF NFs even after the electrospinning process. The composite PVDF NFs with optimal MOF content of 0.8 wt% showed an output power density of 568.8 µW/cm2, which is larger by 8.96 times compared to the pure PVDF NFs. After the SPE process, the output power density increased to 871.2 µW/cm2, which is 13.7 times larger than that of pure PVDF NFs. Different from the pure PVDF NFs, the MOFs-based composite PVDF NFs showed improved output powers after the SPE process regardless of MOF contents. Based on excellent performance, the TENG with the MOFs-based composite PVDF NFs was sufficiently utilized as a self-powered triggering sensor for smart home devices that can wirelessly operate various electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Zeolitic imidazolate framework nanocrystal decorated polyacrylonitrile nanofiber. • Triboelectric nanogenerator for self-powered visible light communication system. • Nanofibers provide a higher effective surface area for contact-electrification. • Remarkable electrical power output from nanofiber-based triboelectric nanogenerator. • Nanogenerator for the wireless control of home appliances and text messaging systems. We propose a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) nanocrystal decorated electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber as an efficient triboelectric positive material for the high-performance triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and demonstrate a self-powered visible light communication (VLC) system for wireless human-machine interactions. The PAN@ZIF-8 nanofibers provide a higher effective contact surface area that can contribute to the improvement of the total amount of generated charges. This can enable the energy harvesting performance of the PAN@ZIF-8 based TENG (PZ-TENG) to be increased more than 3 times compared to their individual PAN nanofibers and ZIF-8 crystal based TENG devices. Furthermore, we develop a PZ-TENG driven self-powered VLC system and utilize it for the wireless control of home appliances and text messaging systems. 3-bit binary codes are designed with two different mechanical activities (clicking '0′ and flapping '1′) for secure and wireless control of the home appliances (Fan, Humidifier, Bell, and Lamp) and to send a text message "HI DGU" on a mobile phone. The designed self-powered VLC system with advanced coding concepts can further enable remote personal identification, security defense, and smart home authentication and monitoring applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A flexible nanocomposite is prepared based on P(VDF-TrFE) and magnetic nanofibers. • CNT-CoFe 2 O 4 nanofibers with a diameter of ∼ 30 nm are prepared by in-situ synthesis. • The magnetization synergism of nanofibers enhances magneto-mechano-electric conversion. Flexible multiferroic materials play a key role in self-powered wearable devices and wireless sensing systems, due to their ability for magneto-mechano-electric (MME) coupling response. Here, a flexible multiferroic film with a high MME voltage coefficient modulated by the slender 1-D magnetic nanomaterials is presented. To prepare the 1-D magnetic nanomaterials, carbon nanotube (CNT) is tailored into a slender template to induce the directional arrangement of CoFe 2 O 4 (CFO) nanoparticles. The slender CNT-CFO can yield enhanced MME conversion in poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene)-based nanocomposites due to the synergism of CFO on a 1-D structure and enlarged interface areas between magnetic phase and piezoelectric matrix. Thus, a high MME coupling coefficient of 39.5 mV·cm−1·Oe-1 and mechano-electric output signals of 9.4 V are observed in nanocomposite films when the filler addition is less than 15 wt%. The low ratio of magnetic nanofibers is in favor of realizing the flexibility of polymer-based nanocomposites Moreover, the mechano-electric output signal with ∼ 1.4 times enhancement can be observed when a magnetic field is applied. The work is expected to open up new opportunities for flexible multiferroic nanocomposites in multifunctional devices and self-powered systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synopsis: Smart farming system is built by a versatile conductive hydrogel: clean energy sources can be harvested by our nano energy generator device and stored in the hydrogel supercapacitors to power up the light fertilizer for plant growth promotion, which is monitored by the wireless wearable sensors. [Display omitted] • Multifunctional hydrogel for plant (vegetable, fruits) wearable sensor. • Self-powered hydrogel for green agriculture. • Hydrogel sensor monitoring and promoting fruit growth. • The gel collecting energy from wind, rain and sounds for light "fertilizer". • Plant-device interaction on the gel. Significant energy is consumed to produce the highest-yielding agriculture, which increases greenhouse gas emission and leads to climate change. Smart farming is expected to allow to enhance efficiency and sustainability via site-specific monitoring and managing of crops. This study is a first of its kind development of versatile double-network hydrogel that can serve as: 1) a clean energy harvesting device for self-powered light fertilizer for plants, 2) a supercapacitor for energy storage, 3) plant growth sensor, and 4) an ammonia sensor. Polyacrylic acid double-networked with the conductive nanofiller reduced graphene oxide and then coated with polyaniline are incorporated with double networking (PAA-RGO-PANI, PRP) that significant improved mechanical stress from 300 KPa to 1050Kpa. The excellent stretchability (650%) and strength makes it suitable for agriculture-purposed plant-wearable senor that satisfies the plant growth. The electrical performance of the triboelectric energy harvester (PRP-TENG) provides high power density at 424 mW/m2 from sound wave, wind, and mechanic pressure. The PAA-RGO-PANI supercapacitor can maintain a stable capacitance at 2330 mF cm−2 after 5000 cycles. The self-powered system combined with PRP-TENG and supercapacitor shows great potential in modern agriculture system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Electrochemical deposition of tellurium nanorods on textiles was demonstrated. • Well-aligned Te nanorods with length (500 nm) and diameter (100 nm) were obtained. • A wearable supercapacitor was fabricated using Te-CC electrodes with ionogels. • The Te-CC WSC possesses a high energy density of 73.62 Wh kg−1. • The application of solar chargeable Te-CC WSC in portable electronics is presented. Low-dimensional metallenes are considered as promising materials for next-generation energy harvesting-, conversion- and storage devices. Herein, we report the preparation of tellurium (Te) nanorods directly anchored on carbon cloth (CC) via an electrosynthesis method and explored their use in wearable energy storage devices. Physico-chemical characterizations by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and field-emission scanning electron microscopy confirmed the formation of Te nanorods aligned on the CC. The growth mechanism of Te nanorods via electrosynthesis method is discussed in detail. Wearable supercapacitor (WSC) fabricated using the Te-CC showed good capacitive properties with high device capacitance (235.6 F g−1), energy density (73.625 Wh kg−1), and excellent capacitance retention over 10,000 cycles. Furthermore, the Te-CC WSC possessed high power density (15,000 W kg−1) and excellent rate capability with better self-discharge characteristics compared with state-of-the art devices. Additionally, we have demonstrated a self-powered system via integration of solar cells with the fabricated Te-CC WSC for powering portable electronic devices. The overall experimental results highlights the importance of electrosynthesized Te-CC as a high-performance supercapacitor electrode that may find applications in the development of next-generation wearable energy devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]