Application of Biocompatible Polymers in Design and Development of Triboelectric Nanogenerators

Document Type : compile

Authors

Polymer Engineering Department, School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

10.22063/basparesh.2026.35810.1759

Abstract

The depletion of fossil fuel resources and the rapid increase in electronic waste have made the development of sustainable energy technologies an inevitable necessity. Meanwhile, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have attracted growing attention as efficient components for harvesting ambient mechanical energy and converting it into electrical energy. Their simple structure, high efficiency at low frequencies, flexibility, and potential for large-scale manufacturing are among the key advantages of this technology One of the effective strategies in improving the performance and sustainability of TENGs is the use of biocompatible and biodegradable polymers. Due to their suitable dielectric properties, high flexibility, and biological safety, these materials enable the design of wearable and implantable medical devices and can directly contact with biological tissues without causing toxicity or unwanted reactions. In addition, natural degradability after the end of the device lifetime plays an important role in reducing environmental impacts and electronic waste. In recent years, the use of natural polymers such as cellulose, chitosan, and silk, as well as biocompatible synthetic polymers including polylactic acid and polycaprolactone, has demonstrated promising results in energy harvesting, sensing, and biomedical applications. However, challenges such as limited durability, high costs of high-performance materials, and difficulties in large-scale production remain. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the role of biocompatible polymers in the design and development of TENGs, discussing their advantages and limitations while highlighting future perspectives of this technology in sustainable energy and medical applications.

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References

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