How to Test Triboelectric Nanogenerators: Key Factors for Standardized Performance Evaluation

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) emerged in 2012 as a way to harness electricity from the triboelectric effect. There have been major developments in materials and performance optimization since then. However, the testing of TENGs is something that requires attention. There are still major shortcomings in how testing is carried out and how results are reported and interpreted. Not only does this impact on the interpretation of results, but it also makes direct performance improvements difficult to compare. The problem is that there are a multitude of factors that affect the electrical output of TENGs. If these are not properly accounted for during testing, the results will not be comparable across different test rigs and laboratories. Many of the physical issues that affect the output can now be found in different research papers, but these have never been collated and synthesized in the context of testing. This paper serves as a comprehensive guide on how to test TENGs, uniquely bringing together the fabrication, mechanical, electrical, and environmental aspects of testing in a single paper. Finally, this review recommends the establishment of a new ISO standardization committee to develop protocols for testing TENG materials and products.