Recent progresses on paper‐based triboelectric nanogenerator for portable self‐powered sensing systems

Abstract In recent years, as a new type of mechanical energy conversion technology, triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) based on the coupling effect of contact electrification and electrostatic induction has shown distinct advantages in the field of distributed micro/nano power sources, high‐precision sensing, and portable high‐voltage sources. Typically, the main functional components of TENG include a tribo‐layer and the conductive layer, both of which need to be attached on the substrate material serving as support framework thus form a usable device. According to the property of different substrate materials, TENG can achieve various characteristics to meet different practical demands. Among plenty of materials, paper, a commend commodity in daily life, with the characters of cost effectiveness, flexibility, lightweight, integratability, and biocompatibility is considered as a promising substrate or frame material to form super‐portable TENG for self‐powered electronic devices. However, the rough and porous structure increases the risk of breaking conductive layer prepared by directly depositing metal film during continuously periodical deformation. Herein, focusing on paper‐based triboelectric nanogenerator, this article summarizes the preparation methods of paper‐based durable conductive layer. Then, the recent researches of paper‐based TENGs are systematically introduced from the aspects of mechanical energy harvesting, micro‐nano energy devices, self‐powered sensors and systems, and so on. Finally, future opportunities and the remaining challenges are expected and discussed. image