PBAT-based biodegradable triboelectric nanogenerators for sustainability in energy, environment, and health

The increasing demand for portable and sustainable power sources has accelerated research into triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), which convert mechanical energy from the environment into electrical energy. However, the widespread use of non-degradable materials in conventional TENGs raises serious environmental concerns. This review highlights the potential of biodegradable poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) as a triboelectric material for the development of eco-friendly TENGs. Various fabrication techniques, including solvent casting and electrospinning, are discussed for the preparation of PBAT-based TENGs. According to current literature, the incorporation of nanomaterials into the PBAT matrix significantly enhances output performance, mechanical properties, and environmental compatibility. Additionally, this review explores the applications of PBAT-based TENGs in energy harvesting, self-powered sensors, biodegradable electronics, and environmental monitoring, emphasizing PBAT’s contribution to sustainable TENG technology. The primary focus of this review is to explore solvent-free methods such as compression molding and 3D printing for fabricating PBAT films, which are then utilized in TENG device development. This image is reproduced with permission from references 11 , 16 .