Electrochemical triboelectricity: A comprehensive survey of current research and future prospects

In recent years, there has been a wealth of research on self-powered systems based on triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) used in electrochemistry. Despite these strides, the substantial impact of electrochemical techniques on the study of triboelectricity theory and applications remains underexplored. This paper delves into the integration between electrochemistry and triboelectricity, highlighting its potential to overcome challenges inherent in TENG, such as energy harvesting efficiency and output mechanisms. The integration of electrochemistry with triboelectricity offers advantages in addressing the challenges faced by TENG in terms of energy harvesting and output mechanisms, including low cost, low pollution, and high flexibility et al. This integration can propel the commercialization of TENG and self-powered systems. Additionally, it provides valuable evidence for studying the charge transfer mechanisms and the modification of the double-layer theory in triboelectric electrification phenomena. We provide a comprehensive review of the role and impact of Electrochemical Triboelectricity (ECT) in the design, application, commercialization, and theoretical development of TENGs and self-powered systems. The focus is on the contributions of ECT to Contact Electrification (CE) and the modification of double-layer theory, as well as its advancements in four major application areas: electrochemical energy storage, synergistic energy harvesting, contact electrification mechanisms, and surface modification. Furthermore, we discuss the current challenges and envision potential future directions for ECT technology. It is hoped that this work will stimulate further research and development in electrochemical techniques, driving the comprehensive application of TENG and advancing our understanding of triboelectric electrification.