Design and synthesis of triboelectric polymers for high performance triboelectric nanogenerators

Triboelectric polymer materials are an essential element for triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). The design and synthesis strategies of triboelectric polymers are the foundation for improving the performance of TENGs and the related fabrication methods are also a key element for scaling up the industrial applications of TENGs. Moreover, the mechanism of charge accumulation, dissipation, and migration occurring during the contact electrification of triboelectric polymers can also inspire other studies of polymer electronic devices. Herein, a review focusing on the latest progress in the triboelectric polymers towards high performance TENG devices is presented. The development and the application of highly negatively/positively charged polymers, covalent organic frameworks (COFs), adjustable copolymers, and robust composite materials are systematically discussed. The important experimental strategies and conclusions of triboelectric polymers are also summarized to guide future studies. This review can be helpful for the research on diversified TENGs and also facilitate studies in many fields related to the polymer materials. Finally, the challenges and prospects of the development of triboelectric polymers for high performance TENGs are outlined, including the influence factor of chemical structure on electrification polarity, elevation of charge density and charge stability, and large-scale and low-cost synthesis approaches.