Innovative Technology for Self-Powered Sensors: Triboelectric Nanogenerators

Abstract

Internet of Things and wearable technology's quick development have opened up a vast market for sensor systems. However, typical sensors' external power supplies' short lifespan and expensive maintenance restrict them from being used more widely. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), a recently created mechanical energy harvesting and self-powered sensing device, show enormous promise to get over these restrictions. TENG can be used not only to power sensors instead of conventional chemical batteries but also be utilized to actualize sensing by taking advantage of the unique characteristics of the friction layer itself. Triboelectric nanogenerators efficiently provide crucial infrastructure for a new generation of sensing devices that gather data using several self-powered sensors in abundance. The recent progress in the development of TENGs applied in the sensor field is reviewed. First, the working mechanisms of solid-solid TENG and solid–liquid TENG are introduced. Subsequently, the development of TENG-based sensing systems and their application progress in self-powered temperature sensors, self-powered pressure sensors, self-powered humidity sensors, self-powered atmosphere sensors, self-powered wireless sensors, interface wetting status monitoring, solution property monitoring, and friction condition monitoring are highlighted. Finally, current challenges and open opportunities are discussed.