Tribotronics: an emerging field by coupling triboelectricity and semiconductors

Abstract

Tribotronics is an emerging research field that focuses on the coupling of triboelectricity and semiconductors. In this review, we summarise and explore three branches of tribotronics. Firstly, we introduce the tribovoltaic effect, which involves direct-current power generation through mechanical friction on semiconductor interfaces. This effect offers significant advantages in terms of high power density compared to traditional insulator-based triboelectric nanogenerators. Secondly, we elaborate on triboelectric modulation, which utilises the triboelectric potential on field-effect transistors. This approach enables active mechanosensation and nanoscale tactile perception. Additionally, we present triboelectric management, which aims to improve energy supply efficiency using semiconductor device technology. This strategy provides an effective microenergy solution for sensors and microsystems. For the interactions between triboelectricity and semiconductors, the research of tribotronics has exhibited the electronics of interfacial friction systems, and the triboelectric technology by electronics. This review demonstrates the promising prospects of tribotronics in the development of new functional devices and self-powered microsystems for intelligent manufacturing, robotic sensing, and the industrial Internet of Things.