@article{Cao2026, 
author = {Jie Cao and Zhelin Jin and Ruifei Luan and Likun Gong and Guoxu Liu and Zhichao Jiang and Jianhua Zeng and Guizhang Ju and Letian Mi and Guanggui Cheng and Chi Zhang and Jianning Ding},
title = {Mechanical friction-reduction strategies in triboelectric nanogenerators for enhancing efficiency and durability: A comprehensive review},
year = {2026},
journal = {Friction},
keywords = {Triboelectric nanogenerators, friction-induced wear, friction-reduction strategy, long-term durability},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.26599/FRICT.2026.9441272},
doi = {10.26599/FRICT.2026.9441272},
abstract = {Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are a promising technology for harvesting ambient mechanical energy, yet their durability is fundamentally limited by friction-induced wear at functional interfaces. Friction in TENGs is inherently paradoxical: it enables charge generation while simultaneously accelerating material degradation. This review systematically summarizes five advanced mechanical friction-reduction strategies developed to address this paradox, including rolling friction, soft contact, intermittent contact, non-contact and interface lubrication. Each friction-reduction strategy is systematically evaluated with respect to the corresponding structural design, operating mechanism and application scenarios in insulator- and semiconductor-based TENGs. Furthermore, a comparative evaluation is conducted to provide a foundational understanding of how friction-reduction methods influence the performance of TENGs and to guide future design optimization. In addition, we outlook the emerging trends toward intelligent, integrated triboelectric energy systems and present a roadmap for practical implementation and commercialization. This review offers valuable insights into the path forward for achieving highly efficient and long-term durable TENGs.}
}