A Review of Triboelectric Nanogenerators in Wind Energy Harvesting and Environmental Monitoring

With the growing demand for renewable energy and the development of portable electronic devices, there is an increasing need for self-powered systems. This paper reviews recent advancements in wind energy harvesting and environmental monitoring, with a particular focus on triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). TENG technology efficiently converts wind energy into electrical energy through the coupling of triboelectric effects and electrostatic induction, offering advantages such as simplicity, low cost, and high efficiency. The paper details the fundamental working principles of TENGs, their various operational modes, and the design of hybrid electromagnetic generators (TENG-EMG) that integrate TENGs with electromagnetic generators. It also discusses innovative devices such as the calliopsis biomimetic triboelectric nanogenerator (C-TENG), the polymer wind bead rolling triboelectric nanogenerator (WB-TENG), and the self-sustaining wind speed sensor system (SSWSSS). These devices not only enhance the efficiency of wind energy harvesting but also broaden the scope of wind speed and direction monitoring. Finally, the paper explores future research directions for TENG technology, including multifunctional integration, material innovation, intelligent management, and environmental impact assessment, aiming to further advance sustainable energy and environmental monitoring.