Lantern-Shaped Triboelectric Nanogenerator with Origami Topology for Efficient Wave Energy Harvesting and Self-Powered Marine Wastewater Degradation

Abstract

As a ubiquitous and renewable blue energy resource, ocean wave energy holds significant promise for distributed marine wastewater treatment. However, efficiently harvesting low-frequency wave energy remains a formidable challenge. Herein, a lantern-shaped triboelectric nanogenerator (LL-TENG) inspired by traditional Chinese craftsmanship was developed for wave energy harvesting and self-powered marine wastewater remediation. Featuring a unique radial origami structure, the device converts the vertical motion of waves into periodic contact-separation cycles of the triboelectric layers via a mechanical transmission mechanism. System optimization reveals that the configuration utilizing 150 g synthetic paper, a quadrilateral geometry, and a 40 cm connecting rod delivers peak performance, yielding a maximum open-circuit voltage of 820 V and a peak power of 16 mW, while demonstrating excellent mechanical durability after 5000 cycles. To overcome the intrinsic impedance mismatch, a power management unit based on a gas discharge tube was integrated to provide a stable direct current output, which was subsequently applied to the electrochemical degradation of methyl red textile wastewater. Driven by simulated waves, the in situ-generated reactive species enabled nearly complete decolorization and degradation of methyl red within 4 h. This work not only introduces a novel paradigm for blue energy harvesting but also pioneers a self-powered technological pathway for coastal ecological restoration.