Triboelectric nanogenerator as a new technology for effective PM2.5 removing with zero ozone emission

Particles matters (PMs) have raised serious concerns due to their great impact on human health. Coupling triboelectric effect and electrostatic induction, triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has demonstrated as a practical sustainable power source for portable devices. The characteristics of TENG, such as high electric field and high output power, make it a promising technology in air cleaning applications. Here, the mechanism of the TENG and its application in self-powered air cleaning technologies are reviewed. Using the TENG as a voltage source, a self-powered air cleaning system for removing SO2 and PMs is developed; and the removal efficiency of nanofiber filters is greatly enhanced due to electrostatic attraction. More importantly, the technology is not only most effective for removing nano-scale particles that cannot be effectively filtered using conventional fiber-film filters, but also produces no ozone emission. Besides being an independent power supply, a vibration TENG based triboelectric filter is designed to effectively capture the PMs from automobile exhaust fumes. Hence, the TENG demonstrates its great potential in self-powered air cleaning applications.