Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Self-Powered Degradation of Chemical Pollutants

Environmental and human health is severely threatened by wastewater and air pollution, which contain a broad spectrum of organic and inorganic pollutants. Organic contaminants include dyes, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), medical waste, antibiotics, pesticides, and chemical warfare agents. Inorganic gases such as CO₂, SO₂, and NO are commonly found in polluted water and air. Traditional methods for pollutant removal, such as oxidation, physicochemical techniques, biotreatment, and enzymatic decomposition, often prove to be inefficient, costly, or energy-intensive. Contemporary solutions like nanofiber-based filters, activated carbon, and plant biomass also face challenges such as generating secondary contaminants and being time-consuming. In this context, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are emerging as promising alternatives. These devices harvest ambient mechanical energy and convert it to electrical energy, enabling the self-powered degradation of chemical pollutants. This Review summarizes recent progress and challenges in using TENGs as self-powered electrochemical systems (SPECs) for pollutant degradation via photocatalysis or electrocatalysis. The working principles of TENGs are discussed, focusing on their structural flexibility, operational modes, and ability to capture energy from low-frequency mechanical stimuli. The Review concludes with perspectives and suggestions for future research in this field, hoping to inspire further interest and innovation in developing TENG-based SPECs, which represent sustainable and eco-friendly solutions for pollutant treatment.