Empowering Triboelectric Nanogenerators With Origami and Kirigami Mechanics: From Metamaterials to Self‐Powered Systems

Abstract

Origami‐ and Kirigami‐inspired structures have emerged as transformative strategies for enhancing the performance and versatility of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). Their folding mechanisms facilitate efficient for contact‐separation TENGs, as well as their geometric patterns provide essential stretchability for complex interfaces. This review emphasizes that the core mechanism of these architectures lies in their ability to bridge mechanical deformation and electrical output of TENGs. On this basis, we summarize the representative origami and kirigami configurations and their mechanical characteristics. More importantly, we propose a general design framework to clarify how these structural strategies adapt to different operating conditions by leveraging their inherent mechanical characteristics. Typical applications include blue energy harvesting, vibration and biomechanical energy harvesting for micro/nano energy systems, self‐powered sensing for environmental and health monitoring, tactile sensing, and wearable electronics that benefit from the stretchability and deformability of kirigami structures. Finally, the current challenges and outline emerging opportunities toward deeper functional integration and scalable implementation of origami‐ and kirigami‐inspired TENGs are concluded.