Ocean Wave Energy Generators and Self-Powered Wave Sensors Based on Triboelectric Nanogenerators

Due to the increasing demand for electrical energy and stricter environmental regulations, there is an urgent need to harvest more energy from natural sources. Covering ≈71% of the Earth's surface, the ocean presents a vast and promising resource for renewable energy. In recent years, harvesting ocean wave energy using triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) has become a prominent research focus. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of previously developed ocean wave energy generators and self-powered sensors based on TENG technology. It covers solid–solid types, solid–liquid types, hybrid modes, and self-powered sensor configurations, with a critical evaluation of their design strategies, advantages, and limitations to identify existing research gaps and future directions. Summarized tables of representative TENG-based ocean wave energy generators are provided, highlighting variations in triboelectric material selection, structural design, and working modes. This review explores how ocean wave parameters influence the output performance of TENGs, examines the limitations and future development of wireless data transmission systems for self-powered sensors, and proposes cost-effective methods to evaluate ocean wave-driven TENGs under scientifically generated wave conditions. Moreover, potential solutions to address the identified gaps and limitations are proposed.