Performance optimization and application advances of cellulose-based triboelectric materials for high-humidity...

High-humidity environments pose significant challenges to the output performance and structural stability of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). Traditional polymer-based triboelectric materials tend to absorb moisture and soften under these conditions, resulting in reduced interfacial charge generation and increased charge dissipation. Cellulose, as a naturally renewable material, has good hydrophilicity, biocompatibility, and an engineerable nanofibrous network structure. In a moisture-absorbed state, cellulose can regulate interfacial polarity, buffer structural deformation, and maintain the continuity of charge transport pathways. It shows potential for constructing stable self-powered systems in high-humidity environments. This review systematically summarizes the fundamental characteristics of cellulose-based triboelectric materials and analyzes the effects of high humidity from multiple perspectives, including physical structure, chemical properties, triboelectric performance, and mechanical properties. It also integrates operating mechanisms and performance optimization strategies to establish a comprehensive research framework for humidity adaptability. Finally, the application progress of cellulose-based TENGs in energy harvesting, wearable sensing, and environmental monitoring is summarized. The future development potential and key challenges of cellulose triboelectric materials are also discussed.