Atmospheric pressure difference driven triboelectric nanogenerator for efficiently harvesting ocean wave energy

Abstract Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), as a new emerging and cost-effective approach, shows a promising prospective for harvesting blue energy. However, several challenges still exist limiting output performance, such as the package and low frequency of water wave. Here, we proposed an atmospheric pressure difference driven energy harvesting methodology for harvesting low-frequency ocean wave energy, especially for near-shore ocean waves. Through the methodology, it enables to transform intermittent and low frequency water wave movement into stored-energy and then release the energy in form of airflow and trigger continuous and high frequency movement, which greatly improves working efficiency of TENGs. With the smart design of a soft membrane, this methodology can well achieve waterproof effect by outer framework and be well matched different frequency ocean waves. To demonstrate the feasibility, two specific TENG structures have been demonstrated as examples: a flutter-driven TENG (FD-TENG) driven by lower speed airflow and a disc-shaped TENG (DS-TENG) triggered by stronger airflow. This methodology demonstrates perspectives toward blue energy dream and further expands the practical application of TENGs for large-scale blue energy from water wave in oceans.