Nanostructures and Nanomaterials Integrated into Triboelectric Nanogenerators

The pursuit of eco-friendly and renewable power generation has driven technological breakthroughs in nanoscale engineering, particularly regarding triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). These devices have become a focus of interest due to their capacity to effectively transform kinetic energy into electrical power via combined triboelectrification and electrostatic charge separation mechanisms. TENGs now find expanding implementations across multiple fields including in flexible electronics, autonomous sensing systems, and ambient energy conversion technologies. Enhancing TENG performance critically depends on the strategic design and application of nanostructures and nanomaterials. Nonetheless, challenges such as material selection, compatibility, homogeneous dispersion, interfacial stability, and production scalability must be overcome to advance TENG technology. Moreover, the mechanisms by which nanomaterials contribute to the triboelectric effect remain insufficiently understood, underscoring the necessity for systematic theoretical models. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in integrating nanostructures and nanomaterials into TENGs, elucidating their roles, advantages, and underlying mechanisms in enhancing energy conversion efficiency, while identifying key challenges and proposing future research directions.