3D-Printed Triboelectric Nanogenerators: State of the Art, Applications, and Challenges

Abstract

Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) development is undergoing rapid progress utilizing the state-of-the-art 3D-printing technologies. Herein a critical analysis of the latest developments in 3D-printed wearable and implantable TENGs that can be used to energize small portable electronic and biomedical devices is presented. Recent progress in 3D-printed triboelectric nanogenerator (3DP-TENG) materials and architectural formations, as well as their performance, is evaluated for powering systems that implement physiological monitoring, multifunctional sensing, electronic energizing, noise canceling, dust filtering, and self-healing. Furthermore, the review explicitly focuses on the 3D-printing approaches used to form stable and robust 3DP-TENGs. In addition, the key challenges to improving the performance of 3DP-TENGs for optimal energy harvesting are discussed, and a roadmap is given for research and translation to commercial markets in the next decade.