Significant Role of Carbon Nanomaterials in Material Extrusion-Based 3D-Printed Triboelectric Nanogenerators

A recent trend in technological evolution has focused on innovative self-powered device systems involving miniaturized energy harvesting systems termed "nanogenerators." Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have generated heaps of interest in the field of energy storage devices and sensors, owing to its tendency to harvest mechanical energy and impart power to battery-less miniaturized devices for comprehensive applications. The combination of TENG with 3D printing (3DP) has provided impetus in fabricating a device with innovative design and functionalities with different working modes and mechanisms to culminate into excellent device output performances. Several studies have focused on the significant role of nanomaterials in TENG to achieve flexibility, workability, and enhanced electrical output. This review aims to explore the influence of carbon-based nanomaterials in ameliorating the processability, performance, and printing characteristics of extrusion-based 3D-printed TENG. The unique structure dimensions and excellent thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties of carbon-based nanomaterials tend to contribute in enhancing the triboelectric efficiency of TENG. The carbon nanomaterials assist in enhancing significant performance of rapid prototyping during material extrusion 3DP. This review provides an insight into the critical aspects to be analyzed in fabricating an extrusion-based 3DP TENG and examines the role of carbon-based nanomaterials in developing smart triboelectric materials for next-generation energy harvesting technologies.