Networks of Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Harvesting Water Wave Energy: A Potential Approach toward Blue Energy

TLDR

Wave energy, covering 70 % of the Earth’s surface, is abundant and environmentally benign, yet effective harvesting technologies remain largely unexplored. This study presents a network of triboelectric nanogenerators designed for large‑scale kinetic water energy harvesting. The floating TENG network uses surface‑charging between conventional polymers and thin metal electrodes to convert slow, random, high‑force wave oscillations into electricity. Measured outputs suggest the network could deliver an average of 1.15 MW per km², offering a lightweight, cost‑effective, environmentally friendly, and easily deployable solution for large‑scale blue energy.

Abstract

With 70% of the earth's surface covered with water, wave energy is abundant and has the potential to be one of the most environmentally benign forms of electric energy. However, owing to lack of effective technology, water wave energy harvesting is almost unexplored as an energy source. Here, we report a network design made of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) for large-scale harvesting of kinetic water energy. Relying on surface charging effect between the conventional polymers and very thin layer of metal as electrodes for each TENG, the TENG networks (TENG-NW) that naturally float on the water surface convert the slow, random, and high-force oscillatory wave energy into electricity. On the basis of the measured output of a single TENG, the TENG-NW is expected to give an average power output of 1.15 MW from 1 km2 surface area. Given the compelling features, such as being lightweight, extremely cost-effective, environmentally friendly, easily implemented, and capable of floating on the water surface, the TENG-NW renders an innovative and effective approach toward large-scale blue energy harvesting from the ocean.