Polymer chemistry underpinning materials for triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs): Recent trends

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are devices that convert external mechanical energy into electricity by combining the triboelectric effect and electrostatic induction. As a new mechanical energy harvesting system, TENGs have demonstrated high vitality and great advantage, which hold great promise for applications in various areas of the future society. Over the past few years, the exponential growth of many new classes of polymeric materials for TENGs has been demonstrated. This review presents and evaluates the range of polymer materials for TENGs, and also attempts to assess the influence of modern polymer chemistry on the development of advanced materials for TENGs. Among the most widely used polymer materials for TENGs, polymer-containing electrodes based on metal, carbon and conjugated polymers, as well as polymer triboelectric materials, which are subdivided into synthetic and natural polymers, are identified. The analysis of the use of biocompatible, biodegradable, humidity-resistant and pressure-resistant polymers in TENGs is carried out. Particular attention is paid to the use of self-healing and shape memory polymers as components of TENGs. Finally, the problems and prospects for the development of polymer materials for TENGs are outlined.