Wearable and Implantable Triboelectric Nanogenerators

TLDR

Triboelectric nanogenerators convert mechanical energy to electrical energy via triboelectrification and electrostatic induction, and recent advances in functional materials and manufacturing have enabled wearable and implantable TENGs to serve as power supplies or sensor elements in clinical and daily life applications. This review examines recent advances in wearable and implantable TENGs as sustainable power sources or self‑powered sensors. The review discusses the mechanisms of these devices and outlines remaining challenges and future improvements for wearable and implantable TENG‑based self‑powered systems.

Abstract

Abstract Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are a promising technology to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy based on coupled triboelectrification and electrostatic induction. With the rapid development of functional materials and manufacturing techniques, wearable and implantable TENGs have evolved into playing important roles in clinic and daily life from in vitro to in vivo. These flexible and light membrane‐like devices have the potential to be a new power supply or sensor element, to meet the special requirements for portable electronics, promoting innovation in electronic devices. In this review, the recent advances in wearable and implantable TENGs as sustainable power sources or self‐powered sensors are reviewed. In addition, the remaining challenges and future possible improvements of wearable and implantable TENG‐based self‐powered systems are discussed.