Core–Shell MOF Heterostructure Films with Boosted Charge Trapping for High-Performance Triboelectric Nanogenerators

Conventional triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) often suffer from limited charge transfer efficiency, restricting their practical integration into self-powered systems and on-demand energy storage units. To address this, we design a high-performance TENG based on an Ecoflex/GO-ZIF-8@ZIF-67 composite film (ZE-TENG), where core–shell ZIF-8@ZIF-67 metal–organic frameworks anchored on graphene oxide serve as multifunctional fillers. This structure synergistically enhances interfacial polarization, introduces hierarchical charge trapping sites, and elevates surface roughness, collectively improving charge separation and accumulation. Under optimized conditions (1.5 wt % filler, 3 Hz), the ZE-TENG delivers an exceptional output of 327.7 V, 47.8 μA, and a maximum power density of 5.75 W·m –2 at 8 MΩ, with a 183.3% enhancement in short-circuit current over the pure Ecoflex-based device. Moreover, the composite film exhibits remarkable flexibility (up to 1450% tensile strain), high-temperature endurance (200 °C), and excellent acid/alkali resistance, ensuring reliable operation under harsh conditions. These features underscore its strong potential as a sustainable energy source for powering smart wearables, industrial sensors, and other electronics in conjunction with energy storage components.