Strategies and progress on improving robustness and reliability of triboelectric nanogenerators

Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is a novel technology converting mechanical energy into electricity and has shown great potential in coping with energy and environmental crisis, and driving emerging electronics. The robustness and reliability represent the ability of TENGs to conduct long-term, stable, and reliable operation, and are considered as the precondition for realizing the extensive and large-scale application of this device in realistic environment. However, the robustness and reliability of TENGs are being severely challenged by frequent, direct and long-term mechanical impacts as well as negative environmental factors during the operation of device. Therefore, how to improve the robustness and reliablity of TENGs is an important issue that urgently need to be addressed. In this article, we review five types of feasible strategies, including noncontact mode, rolling structural, liquid-solid contact, self-recovery and encapsulated TENGs, for the enhancement of robustness and reliability. Some representative examples and their merits are highlighted and demonstrated. The contribution, availability, and challenges toward each strategy are discussed.