The growing demand for sustainable energy solutions is driving interest in novel energy-harvesting technologies. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have emerged as a promising approach to convert ambient mechanical energy, from human motion to acoustic vibrations, into usable electrical power. Such innovations are essential to support the expanding Internet of Things, where billions of connected devices require reliable, low-impact energy sources beyond conventional batteries. However, the performance of TENGs remains limited by material selection and interfacial charge transfer efficiency.

Perovskite-type materials offer a promising new direction for TENG development due to their high dielectric constants, tuneable electronic structures, and inherent photoresponsivity. Originally celebrated for their success in photovoltaics, these materials enable novel functionalities when applied to triboelectric systems, including light-assisted charge generation and enhanced surface polarization. Recent studies have demonstrated significant triboelectric performance gains, such as TENG power densities in the Wm⁻² range under illumination, highlighting their potential for hybrid mechanical–photonic energy harvesting. Despite these advances, the field remains largely unexplored, with vast opportunities to tailor perovskite compositions and interfaces for next-generation, high-efficiency TENG applications. In particular, 2D layered perovskites offer distinct advantages, including enhanced environmental stability and structural anisotropy, making them highly attractive for flexible, durable, and multifunctional energy-harvesting devices.

In this talk, I will give an overview of our group’s recent work exploring the integration of 2D layered perovskites into TENGs. Our research investigates how these emerging materials can enhance mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion, particularly under ambient conditions. I will present representative device results demonstrating that selected 2D perovskite systems can deliver competitive voltage, current, and power outputs when interfaced with conventional polymers and metallic contacts. We also evaluate device performance under real-world mechanical stimuli to assess durability, environmental responsiveness, and potential suitability for interactive or wearable applications. Collectively, this work highlights how 2D perovskites offer a promising and tuneable materials platform for next-generation self-powered systems, providing opportunities for innovation in flexible electronics, sensors, and sustainable energy harvesting technologies.