Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• TENG technology offers a lightweight, cost-effective, and efficient solution for harvesting low-frequency marine energy, addressing limitations of traditional electromagnetic generators. • The review systematically categorizes recent TENG designs for marine energy harvesting, highlighting advances in structural design and power take-off mechanisms. • Integration of TENG with in situ electrochemistry enables sustainable production of clean fuels and water treatment, opening new avenues for blue energy utilization. • Key challenges such as durability, scalability, and system integration are identified, with proposed solutions to accelerate commercialization.
Abstract
The large-scale use of ample marine energy will be one of the most important ways for human to achieve sustainable development through carbon neutral development plans. As a burgeoning technological method for electromechanical conversion, triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has significant advantages in marine energy for its low weight, cost-effectiveness, and high efficiency in low-frequency range. It can realize the efficient and economical harvesting of low-frequency blue energy by constructing the floating marine energy harvesting TENG. This paper firstly introduces the power transfer process and structural composition of TENG for marine energy harvesting in detail. In addition, the latest research works of TENG on marine energy harvesting in basic research and structural design are systematically reviewed by category. Finally, the advanced research progress in the power take-off types and engineering study of TENG with the marine energy are comprehensively generalized. Importantly, the challenges and problems faced by TENG in marine energy and in situ electrochemical application are summarized and the corresponding prospects and suggestions are proposed for the subsequent development direction and prospects to look forward to promoting the commercialization process of this field.
1. Introduction
Since the industrial revolution marked by the steam engine, the human demand for fossil fuels has increased exponentially [1]. At the same time, due to the large-scale use of fossil fuels, billions of tons of CO2 are emitted into the Earth's atmospheric environment every year, which has a very serious impact on our human ecological environment [2]. Therefore, the countries around the world have formulated corresponding “carbon peak” and “carbon neutrality” development strategies, which were based on their own development [3]. Although the energy structure of the new era based on electrification heavily relies on pollution-free electricity, many countries around the world still rely on fossil fuels to obtain a large amount of electricity [4]. According to relevant research reports, vigorously developing clean renewable energy power systems and large-scale use of clean fuels will be important ways to achieve the dual carbon development strategy [5].
The ocean, which accounts for over seven-tenths of the global surface area, contains abundant renewable energy sources (water wave energy, osmotic energy, tidal energy, temperature difference energy, etc.) and is the most important place for humans to obtain large-scale green electricity [6]. Among them, marine fluctuations contain annual reserves of over 10,000 of TWh, which is one of the important targets for obtaining ocean blue energy [7]. In addition, combining the abundant water resources contained in the ocean and in situ utilizing the corresponding electricity by electrochemical method will be an important method for us to obtain low-cost clean fuels [8]. Importantly, it provides a new development direction by electrochemical technology to obtain the fresh water and remove the marine organic pollutants [9, 10]. Therefore, in the past century, the harvesting of marine energy has always been one of the crucial research directions in the energy field [11]. However, due to the characteristics of low-frequency fluctuations and vast distribution in the ocean, the inherent heaviness and high-frequency efficiency of traditional electromagnetic generator (EMG) result in low mass power density; it is difficult to meet the requirements of commercial applications for high mass power density of floating marine energy harvesting devices [12].
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Chuguo Zhang, Yijun Hao, Xiangqian Lu, Wei Su, Hongke Zhang, Zhong Lin Wang, Xiuhan Li (2025). Advances in TENGs for Marine Energy Harvesting and In Situ Electrochemistry. Nano-Micro Letters. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-024-01640-w
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and how does it work?
A triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is a device that converts mechanical energy into electricity using the principles of triboelectric effect and electrostatic induction. It typically consists of two materials with different electron affinities that come into contact and separate, generating a voltage and current. TENGs are lightweight, cost-effective, and efficient at low frequencies, making them ideal for harvesting marine energy.
Why is TENG technology advantageous for marine energy harvesting?
TENGs offer several advantages for marine energy harvesting: they are lightweight, cost-effective, and have high efficiency at low-frequency wave motions. Unlike traditional electromagnetic generators, TENGs can effectively capture low-frequency blue energy, making them suitable for floating devices that harness ocean wave energy.
What are the main challenges facing TENGs in marine applications?
Key challenges include durability and reliability in harsh marine environments, scalability for large-scale deployment, and integration with existing power systems. Additionally, improving power output and ensuring long-term stability are critical for commercialization.
How can TENGs be used for in situ electrochemistry?
TENGs can power electrochemical processes directly at the point of energy harvesting, such as electrolysis for hydrogen production, desalination, or pollutant degradation. This in situ approach reduces energy transmission losses and enables self-powered systems for clean fuel generation and environmental remediation.
What is the future outlook for TENGs in marine energy?
The future of TENGs in marine energy is promising, with ongoing research focused on enhancing performance, durability, and scalability. Advances in materials and structural design are expected to improve efficiency and reduce costs, paving the way for large-scale blue energy harvesting and contributing to global carbon neutrality goals.
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