Research progress on specialized processing technologies enhancing triboelectric nanogenerators: mechanisms, performance and applications

Abstract The development of highly efficient, stable, and reliable triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) is crucial for overcoming bottlenecks in energy conversion efficiency and environmental adaptability. Owing to their high precision, noncontact nature, and cross-scale manufacturing capabilities, specialized processing techniques offer revolutionary approaches for material design, interface engineering, and structural optimization in TENGs. This review systematically analyzes the core mechanisms and performance enhancement pathways of six specialized processing techniques (laser processing, 3D printing, deposition techniques, plasma technology, electrospinning, and nanoimprinting) within TENGs. This highlights how these techniques synergistically address the inherent theoretical limitations of TENGs by precisely modulating surface topography (enhancing charge density), optimizing interfacial structures (facilitating charge migration), constructing functional layers (prolonging charge retention), and reinforcing encapsulation (mitigating environmental interference). Furthermore, we explore the applications of high-performance TENGs in energy harvesting, self-powered system integration, and sensing across natural, biomechanical, industrial, and medical domains, emphasizing their potential for creating sustainable, self-driven energy networks. The paper concludes by discussing current challenges and future development directions for TENG technology, offering insights for technological breakthroughs and practical implementation.