Stretchable triboelectric nanogenerators (STENGs) are garnering attention as the next-generation energy-harvesting devices owing to their ability to convert mechanical energy into electricity while remaining flexible and robust. As wearable electronic...
Stretchable triboelectric nanogenerators (STENGs) are garnering attention as the next-generation energy-harvesting devices owing to their ability to convert mechanical energy into electricity while remaining flexible and robust. As wearable electronics increasingly require deformable, self-powered components for applications such as health monitoring and human– machine interfaces, the development of high-performance STENGs is essential. This review summarizes the recent progress in STENGs, with emphasis on material and structural design strategies. It first outlines the fundamental working mechanisms and operation modes of triboelectric nanogenerators. Then, it categorizes material innovations into hydrogel-, elastomer-, and conductive nanomaterial-based STENGs, each demonstrating unique advantages including biocompatibility, mechanical adaptability, and transparency. Further, it introduces structural designs to enhance stretchability and mechanical stability, such as Kirigami patterns, spring-inspired geometries, and layered architectures. Additionally, this review highlights the practical applications of STENGs in wearable energy harvesting and self-powered sensing, including motion monitoring, physiological-signal monitoring, and intelligent-system integration. Finally, it discusses key challenges such as limited long-term durability, complex fabrication processes, and sensitivity to environmental conditions, while offering future perspectives. This review presents a concise yet comprehensive overview of the design, material selection, and application directions of STENGs, thereby offering guidance for advancing soft, flexible electronics.