Triboelectric nanogenerators for scavenging biomechanical energy: fabrication process to its self-powered applications

Abstract Sustainable development of our society is defined by the amount of sufficient energy that fulfills our basic needs. The advent of the latest digital platforms led to the fusion of several innovative approaches that modulate the existing electronics. Portable and wearable gadgets are a basic necessity of human beings. Hence, frequent charging or periodic replacement of batteries is the prime criteria for sustaining the functionality of these devices. They are solely responsible for the energy crisis prevailing across the globe. The continuous research in this domain led to the formulation of energy-scavenging techniques, which is the driving force for the expansion of industry in the present era. Among several techniques, triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has successfully emerged as a multidisciplinary ecofriendly approach to diminish the above-mentioned critical issues. The working principle of TENG is based on electrostatic effect and contact electrification, which was earlier considered an unwanted interference in various electronic and aerospace applications. Over a while, the integration of the right materials and novel structures contributed to collect the accumulated charge which can power up certain low-power electronics, thereby highlighting the benefits of self-powered systems. The primary objective of this book chapter is to deliver the knowledge about the basics of TENG, which starts with the selection of materials, working mechanisms, fabrication of the devices, biomechanical-energy harvesting techniques, stability, and power analysis, followed by its smart self-powered applications.