Advanced Interface Design of Direct-Current Tribovoltaic Nanogenerator

Tribovoltaic nanogenerator (TVNG), which manifests distinct advantages of direct-current output characteristics and remarkable energy utilization efficiency, is an emerging energy technology relying on the coupling of semiconductor and contact electrification. Dynamic semiconductor interface is the key to TVNGs, as its performance and functionality largely depend on the design and optimization of interface. Hence, with the booming development of TVNGs, it is of great significance to timely update the fundamental understanding of its interface design, which is currently lacking. In this review, the frontier advances on interface design for TVNGs are elaborately outlined for the first time. First, the underlying mechanisms of tribovoltaic effect at the interface are elaborated, as well as some governing equations and key interface design concepts. Subsequently, diverse strategies for advanced interface design are highlighted, including modulating interfacial charge dynamics, multi-energy coupling, reducing interface wear loss, and extending flexible/wearable application. At last, some assumptions about the future direction and prospects of advanced interface design in efficient, multifunctional TVNGs are presented.