High-performance triboelectric nanogenerator based on a double-spiral zigzag-origami structure for continuous sensing and signal transmission in marine environment

Abstract

With the rapid evolution of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, big data, robotics, and novel materials, the landscape of global ocean science and technology is undergoing significant transformation. Ocean wave energy stands out as one of the most promising clean and renewable energy sources. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) represent a cutting-edge technology for harnessing such random and ultra-low frequency energy toward blue energy. A high-performance TENG incorporating a double-spiral zigzag-origami structure is engineered to achieve continuous sensing and signal transmission in marine environment. Integrating the double-spiral origami into the TENG system enables efficient energy harvesting from the ocean waves by converting low-frequency wave vibrations into high-frequency motions. Under the water wave triggering of 0.8 Hz, the TENG generates a maximum peak power density of 55.4 W m⁻³, and a TENG array with six units can generate an output current of 375.2 μA (density of 468.8 mA m⁻³). This power-managed TENG array effectively powers a wireless water quality detector and transmits signals without an external power supply. The findings contribute to the development of sustainable and renewable energy technologies for oceanic applications and open new pathways for designing advanced materials and structures in the field of energy harvesting.