A Novel Cylindrical Low-Frequency Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Ocean Wave Energy Harvesting

Abstract Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) hold great potential for sustainable ocean-wave energy harvesting; however, the directional randomness, low frequencies of natural ocean waves severely hinder stable and efficient energy capture. To overcome these challenges, we propose a novel cylindrical low-frequency TENG (CLF-TENG) specifically designed to address the intrinsic limitations of the marine environment. Inspired by the mechanical principle of a traditional bamboo-copter, the device employs a face-ratchet–driven-ring overrunning (one-way) clutch that converts the axial reciprocating motion of a helical screw into unidirectional and continuous disc rotation, thereby transforming irregular wave excitation into stable mechanical motion. Furthermore, polyester foam with a three-dimensional volume effect is incorporated into the ternary-dielectric TENG disc to enable simultaneous surface and bulk charge storage, effectively enhancing charge density and boosting overall electrical output. Under an excitation frequency of 0.1 Hz, the CLF-TENG achieved an electrical output with an open-circuit voltage of 891.54 V and a short-circuit current of 24.05 mA, successfully powering miniaturized marine electronic devices and thereby exhibiting excellent adaptability to low-frequency ocean wave environments. This study advances the practical application of TENGs in complex ocean conditions and provides a promising pathway toward self-powered marine energy systems.