A self-powered triboelectric auditory sensor is designed for human-robot interactions.

Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is regarded as an effective strategy to convert environment mechanical energy into electricity to meet the distributed energy demand of large number of sensors in the Internet of Things (IoTs). Although TENG based on the coupling of triboelectrification and air-breakdown achieves a large direct current (DC) output, material abrasion is a bottleneck for its applications. Here, inspired by primary cell and its DC signal output characteristics, we propose a novel primary cell structure TENG (PC-TENG) based on contact electrification and electrostatic induction, which has multiple working modes, including contact separation mode, freestanding mode and rotation mode. The PC-TENG produces DC output and operates at low surface contact force. It has an ideal effective charge density (1.02 mC m⁻²). Meanwhile, the PC-TENG shows a superior durability with 99% initial output after 100,000 operating cycles. Due to its excellent output performance and durability, a variety of commercial electronic devices are powered by PC-TENG via harvesting wind energy. This work offers a facile and ideal scheme for enhancing the electrical output performance of DC-TENG at low surface contact force and shows a great potential for the energy harvesting applications in IoTs.

Throughout the world, wind energy is widely distributed as one of the most universal energy sources in nature, containing a gigantic reserve of renewable and green energy. At present, the main way to capture wind energy is to use an electromagnetic generator (EMG), but this technology has many limitations; notably, energy conversion efficiency is relatively low in irregular environments or when there is only a gentle breeze. A triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), which is based on the coupling effect of triboelectrification and electrostatic induction, has obvious advantages for mechanical energy conversion in some specific situations. This review focuses on wind energy harvesting by TENG. First, the basic principles of TENG and existing devices’ working modes are introduced. Second, the latest research into wind energy-related TENG is summarized from the perspectives of structure design, self-power sensors and systems. Then, the potential for large-scale application and hybridization with other energy harvesting technologies is discussed. Finally, future trends and remaining challenges are anticipated and proposed.

Inspired by the mechanical transmission structure of octave boxes, this work proposes a novel energy regularization triboelectric nanogenerator to effectively convert chaotic wave energy into stable electric output.

Soft starters are effective devices used to provide overload protection for motors from large mechanical shocks during the start-up period. However, existing soft starters require additional power supplies, sensors, and complex control elements that pose serious challenges to the integration, versatility, and operability of mechanical transmission system. Herein, we propose a newly soft starter based on the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and electrorheological fluid (ERF) to realize a self-powered mechanical transmission system. Both ERF’s rheological characteristic and the baffle structure play a role in the torque of device. Driven by TENG, the soft starter with optimized baffle achieves a 715% growth in transmission torque compared to that of the device without baffle. And a smooth start is obtained with transmission speeds ranging from 0% to 100%. In application demonstration, this triboelectric soft starter (TSS) has the capacity to gain a smooth operation of the high-speed motor. In contrast, the direct start generates an overshoot, leading to a break in the conveyor belt. The TSS designed in this work with the advantages of self-powered, highly integrated, easy to operate, and low cost, provides a prospective strategy for broadening the application of TENG in mechanical transmission systems.