Triboelectric nanogenerator powered dielectric elastomer: Mechanism and applications

Dielectric elastomer is a new kind of intelligent soft material, which deforms under strong external electric field. Dielectric elastomer has the characteristics of fast response, large deformation, high electromechanical conversion efficiency, low cost and light weight. It is widely used in optical systems, biomedical equipment, soft robots, energy harvesting and other fields. However, the driving voltage of dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) exceeds 1000 V. The volume/weight and security risks of commercial high-voltage power supply limit the portability and wearability of the DEAs. Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is an energy generation technique based on contact electrification, which can instantly generate a high voltage output reaching few thousands volts. Accordingly, TENG is a quite suitable solution for the power supply of DEA. In this paper, we reviewed the development of TENG powered dielectric elastomer actuator (TENG-DEA) in recent years. The mechanism, material structure and performance of diversified applications are summarized, while the challenges and prospects of this combined system are put forward. The summary and discussion in this review provide a good guidance for the sustainable development of TENG-DEA.