An international team of scientists from Sweden, the UAE and the United Kingdom has proposed an unusual solution for future space missions: miniature triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) capable of producing electricity from ordinary movement, vibration and even friction. The design could eliminate the need for heavy batteries and unstable solar panels, offering a compact and reliable alternative.
The nanogenerators are made from durable materials that can withstand extreme temperatures and radiation. Ultraviolet radiation, rather than damaging them, increases their charge by 157 times. Flexible TENGs can be integrated into spacesuits, gloves or the surface of mini-satellites, reducing wiring weight by up to 30%. They not only power devices but also act as sensors, responding to impacts, vibrations and even dust.
Energy from friction may seem minor. Still, the scientists already see potential in combining nanogenerators with solar and thermal sources into hybrid power systems, especially for lunar bases and future interplanetary missions.
