Harnessing Ocean Power: Triboelectric Nanogenerators in Marine Innovation

Abstract

The marine environment poses distinct challenges and possibilities for technological advancement. Triboelectric nanogenerators have proven to be a promising answer, utilizing the triboelectric effect to convert mechanical energy into electrical power. The review delves into the multiple uses of TENGs in marine environments, showcasing their capacity to transform the collection of energy from waves, the operation of autonomous underwater vehicles, anti-biofouling systems, self-powered sensors, and desalination technologies powered by waste. TENGs provide a scalable, efficient, and cost-effective approach to producing sustainable energy through wave energy harvesting. AUVs gain advantages from TENGs in terms of improved self-sufficiency and energy efficiency, allowing for extended mission durations and decreased reliance on external power supplies. TENG-based anti-biofouling systems counter marine biofouling by generating electric fields, thus safeguarding marine infrastructure and sensors. Self-powered sensors that incorporate TENGs enable real-time tracking of environmental factors, all of which are essential for marine research and conservation efforts. Furthermore, TENG-driven desalination systems utilise mechanical energy from marine waste to produce drinkable water, thus resolving environmental pollution and water scarcity. The review highlights the pivotal role of TENGs in driving marine innovation forward, promoting sustainability, and tackling key issues in the marine environment.

Introduction

1. Introduction to the Problem

Due to growing concerns over climate change, fossil fuel depletion, and environmental degradation, there is an urgent need for clean, sustainable, and decentralized energy alternatives. Traditional energy systems are strained by increasing global demand, fueled by industrial growth and urbanization.

2. What Are TENGs?

Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs) are innovative energy-harvesting devices that convert mechanical energy (like motion, vibration, or pressure) into electrical energy using two core principles:

• Triboelectrification (charge transfer through contact and separation)

• Electrostatic induction (electron flow due to potential difference)

Key Features:

• Low cost and simple design

• Lightweight and flexible

• Compatible with biodegradable and eco-friendly materials

• Effective in low-frequency mechanical environments

?? Working Modes of TENGs

TENGs operate in four basic modes, enabling adaptability for different mechanical movements:

1. Contact-Separation Mode – Repeated vertical contact and separation.

2. Lateral Sliding Mode – Horizontal sliding motion between materials.

3. Single-Electrode Mode – Uses one electrode, ideal for simple or miniaturized designs.

4. Freestanding Mode – A mobile layer moves between two electrodes.

These modes enable design flexibility and are often combined for hybrid systems.

???? TENG Applications in Marine Environments

A. Wave Energy Harvesting

• TENGs harness wave motion (rolling, tilting, vertical displacement) for power.

• They can be integrated into buoys and floating platforms.

• Effective in low-frequency wave environments (0.1–1 Hz).

• Used for powering marine systems like sensors, beacons, and data transmitters.

B. Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs)

• TENGs extend AUV operational time by harvesting energy from currents and movement.

• Reduce dependency on external power and increase deployment duration.

• Can power onboard electronics and self-cleaning/anti-biofouling systems.

C. Anti-Biofouling Applications

• TENGs generate small electric fields or vibrations that prevent marine organism buildup.

• Offer a non-toxic, energy-efficient alternative to traditional antifouling methods (e.g., toxic paints).

• Useful for ships, sensors, pipelines, and offshore structures.

D. Self-Powered Marine Sensors

• Enable real-time, autonomous monitoring of temperature, pH, salinity, and pollution.

• Suitable for large, remote ocean areas where battery replacement is impractical.

• Reduce operational costs and support long-term marine data collection.

???? Emerging Potential: TENGs for Desalination

• TENGs are being explored to power desalination systems, using wave motion to purify seawater.

• Helps address both water scarcity and marine pollution sustainably.

Conclusion

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) represent a cutting-edge advancement with immense potential for solving key challenges in marine environments. By harvesting mechanical energy from ocean waves, currents, and other marine movements, TENGs offer a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional energy sources. This paper highlights their broad applicability, particularly in enhancing the autonomy and operational efficiency of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), reducing their dependence on external power supplies. TENG-based systems also serve as a promising approach to biofouling prevention by generating electric fields that deter biological accumulation on submerged surfaces. Furthermore, the integration of TENGs into self-powered sensing platforms allows for continuous, real-time monitoring of marine environments critical for oceanographic research, environmental protection, and disaster prevention.In addition, this review explores how TENGs can drive low-cost, energy-efficient desalination systems by utilizing mechanical energy from marine waste, thus addressing both environmental pollution and freshwater scarcity. Their multifunctionality, scalability, and cost-effectiveness make TENGs a practical tool for accelerating innovation in ocean energy harvesting and marine technologies. As discussed throughout this paper, TENGs offer a promising pathway to reduce reliance on traditional energy infrastructure, support sustainable practices, and enable more resilient marine operations. With continued research, development, and field validation, TENGs are expected to become a cornerstone of future marine energy systems, contributing significantly to the advancement of blue economy technologies and global ocean sustainability goals.

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Copyright © 2025 Lavanya BH, Deekshitha HL. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.